Aircraft propulsion batteries with three times the pack-level energy density of today’s automotive technology may be achievable in the next decade if enough investment is targeted at aeronautical applications, a new report published in Nature concludes.

The UK’s FlyZero research project has revealed its concept for a 75-seat regional airliner powered by liquid hydrogen as it finalizes its study on how to prepare the country’s aerospace industry to participate in the development of future zero-emissions commercial aircraft.

A Norwegian team has won the race to be first to fly an aircraft that will compete in the new Air Race E piloted all-electric racing series, which is scheduled to begin in 2023.

Spun out by the Williams Formula 1 racing team at the end of 2019, Williams Advanced Engineering has been expanding from its motorsports roots and applying its high-performance battery and electrification expertise to new sectors, including aviation.

Bye Aerospace is studying a 12-seat high-density version of its planned all-electric twin-motor eFlyer 800 for commuter operators.

A NASA-funded team is working to connect airborne and cloud-based flight management systems to enable better real-time trajectory optimization and airspace management for advanced air mobility and commercial aviation.

Rolls-Royce’s £6 million ($8.17 million) Spirit of Innovation electric aircraft has secured the world electric aircraft speed record following verification by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale. 

Two early-stage startups have joined forces to lay the foundations for an on-demand regional air service in Western Australia using small electric aircraft.