EVOLUTION AND GREENING OF THE AVIATION INDUSTRY: URBAN AIR MOBILITY AS AN EMERGING COMPONENT OF THE AIR TRANSPORT SYSTEM

This book explores the ongoing transformation of the aviation industry as it strives towards a sustainable, zero-emission future. From the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to the groundbreaking use of hydrogen and electric propulsion, aviation is entering a new era of cleaner, smarter flight.A central part of this transformation is the rise of e-VTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft — a new generation of vehicles designed to redefine urban air mobility by easing congestion in traffic-choked cities. Prototypes are already in testing, and large-scale deployment is on the horizon. Notably, China is investing heavily in this sector, spearheading the development of what is now called the low-altitude economy. Meanwhile, the business aviation sector is embracing sustainability through next-generation executive jets and the reimagining of supersonic travel, balancing speed and luxury with environmental responsibility.This book serves as a comprehensive guide to the technologies, visionaries, and regulatory frameworks shaping aviation's green transition. It offers readers a clear view of the innovations propelling the industry towards its ambitious goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 — and the new frontier of flight that awaits us all.