Coming evolution toward electric and/or hydrogen propulsion for aircraft will create challenges as well as opportunities for MRO providers.

Despite pandemic-related uncertainty, aviation industry tech accelerators are pressing on with innovation efforts.

Airbus has completed three test flights using two of its own Airbus A350s with the autopilot engaged in its Fello’fly wake vortex-riding project.

The French government has reiterated its desire to see a hydrogen-fueled Airbus flying in service by 2035, firmly reacting to those claiming the move is too risky.

France will focus on investing in hydrogen technology as part of a broader post-COVID-19 economic relaunch plan with the government planning to have a hydrogen-powered aircraft ready for 2035. 

German electric aircraft start-up Lilium has partnered up with Dusseldorf and Cologne/Bonn airports to study air mobility networks in the region.

Air France has tested all-electric ramp-handling equipment for the first time ahead of an Airbus A350 flight from Paris to Delhi as part of broader sustainability efforts, which include making its ground operations carbon neutral by 2030.

The first of two aircraft fitted with a modular hybrid-electric propulsion system developed under a European research program is expected to fly in September.