This study has two objectives: first, determining the short-term feasibility of some long-haul commercial air routes based on electric, zero-emission planes; second, mapping the expected evolution of such long-haul routes as electric-plane technology and capabilities evolve over the next years._x000D_
For the first objective, a concept electrical aircraft prototype, based on the current (as of 2023) available technologies, is used to build three major long-haul routes -London/New York, Sydney/Singapore, and Frankfurt/Dubai-, each one with different geographical constraints. These long-haul missions are to be achieved via stop-overs on currently existing airport facilities along the routes. For the second objective, mimicking the development of early commercial long-haul services, the study makes use of prior literature that has analyzed the changes in the shape of commercial flights and their intermediate nodes over time. Based on the findings of that previous research, this study outlines the potential outlook of evolving pure-electric long-haul flights and the likely emergence of new hubs as a result. The projections take into account the role of technology evolution, regulation, route physiography, and regional economic activity._x000D_
This study adds significant insight to the current discussion -currently constricted to short-haul segments- about commercial routes making use of pure electric aircraft, expanding the research to longer-haul services. The 2021 Glasgow Climate Change Conference (COP26) conclusions, signaling the urgency to address the world’s excessive green-house emissions without delay, make this paper particularly relevant for the future of the commercial airline industry in general, and the carbon footprint of long-haul commercial flights in particular.

Athina Sismanidou*, Kevin O’Connor**, Joan Tarradellas***, Pere Suau-Sanchez****
*Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, **University of Melbourne, ***EADA Business School, ****Cranfield University,

 
ID Abstract: 638