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Credit: NASA concept
Imagine it is 2025. After five years, air travel has recovered to beyond pre-COVID-19 levels, resuming its historical growth trajectory. Airbus is finalizing the key technical decisions for a mid-2030s’ zero-emissions airliner, and Boeing is developing its first new commercial aircraft since the 737 MAX returned to service.
The first small hybrid-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell aircraft are reducing emissions on short routes in environmentally sensitive regions. Electric air taxis are shuttling passengers between airports and business centers, and the first regional air-mobility networks are taking shape.
Remotely piloted cargo aircraft are connecting regional warehouses and distribution centers, keeping the e-commerce juggernaut humming. Medical drones are speeding between hospitals and laboratories, pharmacies and communities as the year’s coronavirus vaccines are deployed.