The technology behind electrification is continually improving , but it ’ s important not to forget the emissions inherited as a result of certain developments . This includes battery production , motor energy efficiency , and the capabilities that aircraft have when it comes to transporting individuals and cargo .

Despite organisations working to electrify aviation , the consumption of energy in the process is something to be measured and ultimately gauges the overall impact of the aviation supply chain .

The International Council on Clean Transportation ( ICCT ) breaks this down in a report dating back to mid-2022 whereby it explains the relative emissions in relation to fossil-fuel-powered aircraft . The ICCT states that electrified aircraft are capable of reducing CO2 equivalent ( CO2e ) by a range of 49 %– 88 %, simply by shifting the propulsion system — and the affiliated supply chain processes .

While aviation isn ’ t the highest polluting industry , it accounted for around 720 megatonnes of CO2e in 2021 . Due to the complexities surrounding safety and fueling , the aviation industry expects to reach net-zero by 2050 and although electric alternatives are increasingly available in this sector , long-haul international flight emissions are currently reduced by means of sustainable aviation fuel ( SAF ), which is capable of reducing CO2e by up to 80 %.

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