Emerging Technologies

Three aircraft developers reveal different approaches to battery-electric flight from trainers to regional transports.

Lockheed’s printed attack drone; flying on solid-state batteries; Embraer tests hydrogen; and SAF from cow manure.

Public charter operator JSX helped demo Electra’s hybrid-electric ultra short and might buy Electra’s EL9.

The UK government is to provide £219 million in funding over the next four years to help develop domestic sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production.

JetZero breaks ground on its North Carolina blended wing body factory, targeting early 2030s production with plans to reach 20 aircraft monthly by mid-2030s.

Circularity Fuels produces ASTM-compliant SAF from cow manure biogas in California pilot, targeting cost parity with conventional jet fuel.

ZeroAvia shifted to defense during funding struggles but maintains its civil aviation mission while certifying its hydrogen fuel cell technology.

Global air traffic surges as geopolitical divisions fracture airspace coordination, creating an urgent need for cross-border ATM reform.

Vaeridion reports battery suppliers exceeding performance targets for electric aircraft, boosting Microliner development prospects.

Montana Aerospace advances hybrid metal-composite aerostructures for Airbus and Boeing's next-gen narrowbodies.

It's not about policies that require SAF, or designing scalable, affordable SAF. The most significant threat to scaling SAF is airport infrastructure itself.

Embraer is preparing to begin tests in a fuel-cell rig as it explores the potential of hydrogen as a fuel to decarbonize aviation.

Composite materials, despite their increasing use in commercial aircraft designs, offer possibilities that airframers have yet to use to maximum advantage.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is urging Airbus to manage the development of its next-generation, single-aisle airliner (NGSA) out of Hamburg.

LITEF is developing technologies to make GPS receivers resilient to spoofing, in addition to the less challenging jamming threat.

U.S.-based aerospace companies have submitted proposals to participate in the next phase of the FAA’s Continuous Low Energy, Emissions and Noise (CLEEN) program.

Two German companies have signed a deal to advance the commercialization of electric sustainable aviation fuels (eSAF).

The power-to-liquids tech developer sees a path forward for electro-sustainable aviation fuel.

Improvements cabin equipment suppliers have been studying for passenger safety and comfort may ultimately reduce the required number of flight attendants.

Certification by analysis, an approach that replaces some tests with virtual assessments, may contribute to maturing technologies faster.

Tanner Chase, a 2026 20 Twenties winner from Utah State University, shares his journey in UAV innovation and advice for aspiring aviation professionals.

Under terms of the deal, American will purchase and take delivery of 35 million gal. of SAF over three years for use at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.

Four companies are forming a joint venture (JV) to create a large-scale French sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plant in Dunkirk, France.

KLM Cityhopper has operated a commercial passenger flight between Amsterdam and Hamburg using a 5% blend of electro-sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF).

The Helios Horizon stratospheric electric aircraft has flown powered by solid-state batteries, believed to be the first piloted flight using the fast-charging, energy-dense battery tech.