Aircraft Innovations

The promise of electric cars to help reduce carbon emissions has sparked interest in the electrification of other types of transportation, even airplanes (including seaplanes). The commercial electric aircraft market is growing, with some predicting nearly a quarter of airplanes sold will be electric by 2045. The battery requirements of large electric aircraft pose major challenges, though one prototype transported 90 people nearly 500 miles. Another option could be hybrid technology, currently in development by GE Aerospace. In preparation, the City of Reedley and Fresno County, California, have created the first FAA-certified electric aircraft training program. If electric air travel ever becomes possible on a large scale, planners will need to consider how this could impact transportation planning, airport design, and workforce development.

Developments are also taking place in other types of aircraft. Though the laws of physics and other factors prevent commercial airplanes from being fully powered by the sun, advancements are being made in smaller, lighter solar-powered aircraft that can stay aloft for months at a time. These devices could serve as more sustainable and adaptable satellites, helping to reduce the amount of space debris. This may have trickle-down effects on climate change mitigation efforts, disaster response and recovery efforts, and environmental monitoring, among other sectors.