From New Designs To Green Flying And AI-Powered Airports, Here's What's New In Aviation

In all the noise and bustle of consumer electronics technology events and artificial intelligence (AI) innovations, key developments in other fields tend to receive less coverage.  

One such sector is the high-flying aviation industry which often goes under the radar of “popular news” (at least for the right reasons), which has seen a wide range of new products, partnerships, and promises over the past few days.

Currently, the hottest topic in the aviation world is developing and utilizing clean and green fuel, and other areas that can benefit from sustainable initiatives.

To this effect, Delta Air Lines announced that it is partnering with JetZero to build a revolutionary aircraft that offers more sustainable options—one that looks and feels like nothing flying in today’s commercial skies.

The collaboration will use JetZero’s vastly more fuel-efficient blended-wing-body (BWB) design to propel Delta’s goal to advance industry innovation, reduce costs through fuel efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

The new aircraft is expected to be up to 50% more fuel-efficient than today’s planes but will offer flight range and seat capacity (over 250 customers) like today’s mid-range international aircraft. It will be capable of using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) when it goes into service.

JetZero’s aircraft has also received support from the U.S. Air Force, along with a grant to develop a functional prototype by 2027.

The move, which comes as Delta celebrates 100 years of operating in the skies, will see JetZero become the newest member of Delta’s Sustainable Skies Lab, bringing it Delta’s direct support, world-class talent, and operational acumen.

“While Delta is focused on doing what we can today to address our carbon footprint, it’s critical we also work with a variety of partners to advance revolutionary technologies, like JetZero’s blended-wing-body aircraft, to solve for a significant portion of future aviation emissions,” said Amelia DeLuca, Delta’s Chief Sustainability Officer.


It’s not just aviation companies that are getting in on the sustainability bandwagon.

The European Commission recently announced the Clean Industrial Deal (CID)—an initiative that will see the mobilization of over €100 billion ($108 billion) to support EU-made clean manufacturing. The plan is to turn decarbonization into a driver of growth for European industries, which includes lowering energy prices, creating quality jobs and the right conditions for companies to thrive.

While the CID initiative applies to industries such as steel, metals, and chemicals, it’s also set to benefit the aviation industry.

This has led to the formation of an alliance comprising Airlines for Europe (A4E), Airports Council International Europe (ACI Europe), ASD, Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO), and European Regions Airline Association (ERA).

The alliance clarified that the CID recognizes the importance of supporting low-carbon fuels and aviation charging infrastructure and the importance of striking a balance between industrial decarbonization and economic competitiveness.

However, the aviation industry notes that sustainability efforts pertain to more than just finding fuel solutions, which is what the SEO Amsterdam Economics (SEO) and Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) have addressed in their Destination 2050 roadmap.

The roadmap, which outlines a comprehensive decarbonizing strategy, is built on four pillars. These include sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), air traffic management optimization, new aircraft technology, and economic measures.

Taking initiative in the initiative is Norway.

Norway’s Civil Aviation Authority has partnered with Avinor to make Norway an international test site for zero and low-emission aircraft. The test arena will act as a center of knowledge and learning, form a base to prepare the required aviation ecosystem, and provide a foundation for scaling new technologies.

When it comes to new technologies being applied to processes, AI is at the forefront.

This is what India’s Delhi International Airport (DIAL) is tapping into with its Unified Total Airside Management (UTAM) system, which is an AI-backed platform designed to boost the safety and efficiency of airport operations by using real-time data from various airports.

The system is built in collaboration with DIAL’s parent organization GMR Airports and consultancy firm and service provider WAISL (WIPRO Airport IT Services Limited). It unites airlines, ground handlers, and airport authorities.

On a lighter note, JetBlue partnered with Nintendo to debut a special Airbus A320 livery featuring Mario and Friends, following similar previous projects. Called Cloudtop Cruiser, the plane features Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, Donkey Kong, and Bowser.


What do you think about these aviation innovations?

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