The Future of Commercial Aviation

How can the aviation industry marry sustainability with increasing passenger numbers? Since the deregulation of Europe's airlines in the late 1990s, more and more of us have been flying every year. Whilst this may be good news for the airline industry, it's not good news for the environment. Manufacturers are trying to make models lighter and more fuel efficient, with a pledge by IATA to cut emissions to 50% by 2050. Nevertheless, experts say we are at least fifteen years away from hybrid engine powered flight. Evan Davis and guests ask whether commercial aviation can meet its climate targets through new technology and more fuel efficient engines, whilst keeping costs down for the airlines and the customer?

GUESTS

Paul Kahn, president, Connectivity, Cobham Plc

Volodymyr Bilotkach, economist, author of The Economics of Airlines

Rob Morris, head of Global Consultancy, Ascend by Cirium

Presenter: Evan Davis

Producer: Julie Ball

Editor: Hugh Levinson