Leading the race to zero carbon emission flight
Policy briefing | December 2025
Summary
Zero carbon emission aircraft are vital for reaching EU and UK net-zero aviation targets. Alternative fuels are still in low supply, and using them for short- and medium-haul flights is not as efficient a use of resources as battery electric, hydrogen fuel cell or hydrogen combustion aircraft.
Developing zero carbon flight technologies is also projected to create economy-wide positive spillover effects. Furthermore, since no country currently leads in this industry there is an open opportunity to capture a global competitive edge.
A robust policy framework is needed to bring zero carbon emission aviation technologies from development to certification and commercial deployment, by signalling future demand to de-risk investment, nurture research and development, and pre-emptively address prospective supply chain bottlenecks.
Our recommendations
To support innovative businesses commercialise zero carbon emission aviation technologies and drive climate and industrial goals, policymakers should:
Introduce mandatory targets for zero carbon emission flight.
Ensure that green hydrogen is available for aviation.
Establish regional testbeds to demonstrate zero carbon emission aviation.
Extend support for research and development.
