Why the Next Generation May Never Board a Plane...

I’m certain that the vast majority of you will have flown somewhere—whether it be for a holiday abroad, school trips or visiting family. I for one have quickly got accustomed to the largely convenient part of travelling by planes, from meeting grandparents halfway around the world within the space of a day to travelling to foreign countries on holiday, air travel helps to make the vast world we live in feel ever so smaller. 

Airplanes have been around for decades, a steady staple in the diet of westerners serving as bridges of culture, family and trade. However, recently as questions as to the viability of air travel have been raised as both environmental concerns and economic pressures continue to switch up the temperature in the industry. Could airplanes be increasingly becoming our view of steam trains- outdated and ancient? 

Environmental Impacts 

Currently, it’s estimated by the Global Carbon Project that the aviation industry will make up for around 3% of global carbon emissions this year. The growing number has made the industry a prominent point in climate change actions and debates. This has resulted in airlines and manufactures coming under immense pressure to move heaven and earth in order to reduce carbon emissions. However, the technology in order to do so such as electric planes has been forecasted as “decades” away by the former CEO of Rolls Royce shifting the spotlight on a new fuel called Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Promising a “waste to wingtip” approach, could this really be the silver bullet the industry is rampantly looking for? 

Challenges  

Despite its revolutionary reduction of up to 80% of carbon emissions comparatively to traditional jet fuel and its relatively open suitability to all types of aircraft, SAF has a couple of limitations. For instance, currently, it can only be blended up to 50% with jet fuel. Additionally, it’s generally more expensive, making it less attractive for airlines to use. This in turn creates low demand and higher costs, although a greater demand should hopefully result in lower costs in the future. 

 Solutions on the horizon 

Airbus 'Zero-E Blended Wing Design'

Some advancements in technology like Airbus’ ZeroE hydrogen-powered planes estimated to be airborne as soon as 2035 and the potential of electric battery planes could mitigate these issues in the long term. With sufficient investment and policy support, these technologies might make flying both sustainable and affordable. 

 

Economic Pressures 

Rising fuel prices, engine issues and political instability such as the recent Labour budget have made air travel more expensive by threatening the affordability of budget airlines like Ryanair openly condemning the rise in Air Passenger Duty (APD). For younger generations, the idea of spontaneous trips abroad is already becoming a distant memory. Air travel has long been seen as a bridge between countries and cultures, and its decline would limit opportunities for the foreseeable future. 

Broader Perspectives 

Critics of cheap air travel suggest that it has contributed to overtourism and environmental degradation. They argue that higher costs might lead to more sustainable travel habits and reduced environmental impact. On the other hand, proponents of budget airlines emphasize the importance of affordability for maintaining cultural exchange and economic inclusivity. As well as that, it has been proven time and time again, the positive effects of budget airline’s ensuring legacy carrier’s and rival airlines are priced competitively invertedly benefitted the customer    

Technological Innovations 

Despite the significant challenges, this persevering industry remains determined to see beyond the dark clouds and to the sunrise of tech advances and investments in fuels from the likes of British Airways and TUI with their respective SAF programs as well as commitments towards targets of the sector’s favourite word “net zero.” 

A Balanced Outlook 

Can the industry adapt quickly enough to preserve air travel as a global connector, or will it become a luxury reserved only for the wealthy few? Innovations such as SAF, hydrogen power, and electric aviation could provide solutions. However, achieving these advancements on a large scale will require time, significant funding, and supportive policies. Flying, for decades has been a pinnacle of progress however it faces unprecedented challenges and scrutiny. Whether or not the next generation will continue to take to the skies depends on the industry's ability to evolve, develop and flourish with the times.