A group of 15 companies developing electric, hybrid-electric, and hydrogen-powered aircraft—and the infrastructure necessary to support them—have asked the U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm to focus more on their industries as part of the Biden administration’s broad plan to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
The companies—including Airbus, Ampaire, Archer Aviation, BETA Technologies, Bye Aerospace, Eve Air Mobility, Joby Aviation, Lilium, Overair, Signature Flight Support, Skyports, Supernal LLC, Vertical Aerospace, Wisk Aero, and ZeroAvia—say that while sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) are “an immediate solution to decarbonize the sector,” it is vital to also invest in future aircraft technology.
“The world is currently experiencing the most exciting time in aviation since the dawn of the jet age,” the companies said in their letter. “Recently, the White House correctly recognized this by listing net-zero aviation technologies as one of five priorities in its ‘U.S. Innovation to Meet 2050 Climate Goals’ for the newly formed Zero Emissions Game Changes Initiative.”
The companies attested that the technologies they represent “provide the first and best long-term path to achieving net zero aviation emissions.” They noted that “electric, hybrid-electric and hydrogen aircraft will begin commercial operations as soon as 2024 and provide the aviation industry its first net-zero operations” for short haul, regional and long-haul flights.”
The companies also stressed the need to develop new infrastructure specifically designed for zero-emission aircraft and keep pace with advancements made in other countries.
“Other nations around the world have begun to heavily invest in zero-emissions technologies because of the environmental and societal benefits that will accompany them. The United Kingdom’s Aerospace Technology Institute announced a 685 million pound investment over three years specifically for zero emission technologies.
The European Union and its member states have also committed over a billion euros in Investment,” the letter reads.
The companies said that by embracing new technology the U.S. could create jobs while helping to decarbonize the aviation sector. “Since the dawn of flight, the United States has led the world in the research, development, and advancement of flight. In part, this has led to the aerospace and defense sector being the number one exporting sector annually.”
In the future the U.S. could maintain its leadership by prioritizing zero-emissions aviation, the companies said, noting that they “stand willing and ready to engage and assist in supporting this leadership.”
