The aviation industry has been a popular target lately for environmentalists. I consider myself awfully green and even I can admit that it’s a tad unwarranted.  

Before the pandemic hit, there were constant critiques about the pollutants put out by aircraft. Leaders in the green movement or outspoken celebrities were often lambasted as hypocrites if they were caught on a plane or, (clutches pearls), flying private.

Granted, it looked bad, but in the grand scheme of things, none of them really deserves that sobriquet just for flying. Yes, it’s a dirty business, but by far not the worst offender.

But since the world fell apart and aviation’s recent successes got grounded thanks to the pandemic, everyone is looking to the future of how we move safely. Cleaning up our act shouldn’t be lost in this conversation as the industry resets.

The University of Washington and the Port of Seattle recently proved in a study there are enough forest residuals and municipal solid waste in that region to produce up to 290 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel per year.  These fuels emit up to 80 percent less carbon than traditional jet fuel and cuts down other harmful emissions as well.

Meanwhile, electric aircraft manufacturers like Bye Aerospace out of Colorado are making electric aircraft a reality. The company got a $10 million cash infusion earlier this year, giving it more momentum to take off for widespread distribution.  

Airbus is also building the new reality with its hydrogen powered concept aircraft it released in September. Current technology puts this as a very feasible fuel source to replace the kerosene commercial planes.

So, you may ask yourself, how do I work sustainability into my plans? And you may ask yourself, where is that green aircraft now? And you may tell yourself, that’s not a feasible plan for now.

But change is now and it’s for the better. It’s going to clean the air and provide new revenue opportunities for those who prepare. So lets treat the future of aviation as a time for change coming out of the pandemic and let’s not be afraid of what it will mean.