The aviation industry has always focused on innovation and manufacturers are always looking for the next big thing that will excite airlines and passengers alike. In the last few years, the private aviation sector has made massive improvements on every level, from aircraft technology to passenger experience. Meanwhile, concepts like flight sharing have made private charter flights more affordable without sacrificing the luxury and convenience associated with the best private jets. And itā€™s vital that the industry continues to innovate, especially as we navigate the new terrain of the post-pandemic era. So here are four of the most fascinating and exciting trends in the aviation industry:
The return of supersonic flight
When Concordeā€™s wheels touched down for the last time in November 2003, many believed that the days of supersonic flight were over. But behind the scenes, private aviation companies have been developing new supersonic jets that are cleaner, more powerful and faster than ever before. The Aerion AS2 private supersonic jet is being developed in collaboration with Airbus. It is predicted to fly at a speed above Mach 1.5, which could cut the London to New York flight time from 7 hours to less than 4.5 hours. The Denver-based start-up Boom aims to have its XB-1 demonstrator carrying out test flights by 2026 and in full use by 2029. This plane has the backing of Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Galactic. Flights from London to New York are predicted to take less than 3.5 hours and to cost the same as a business class commercial flight. And Lockheed Martin is working with NASA to break the sound barrier with almost no sonic boom, which would open up overland routes and cut transatlantic flight times by 50%.
Greener jets
While the threat of climate change cannot be ignored, concern for the climate doesnā€™t remove our need to travel quickly around the world. Several private jet brands are developing jets that are powered by biofuels to dramatically reduce emissions as well as electric jets, which could be the future of eco-friendly air travel. Work on LEAPTech (Leading Edge Asynchronous Propeller Technology) continues at NASAā€™s Langley Research Center. This system is still under development but LEAPTech jets could become the new industry standard. They feature a long narrow wing fitted with many battery powered motors and propellers which will produce less noise and zero in-flight carbon emissions, while also offering low operating costs. Technology already plays a major part in the client experience for the aviation industry. Clients already expect access to their ticket on a mobile app and some form of WiFi on board. Connectivity is vital to passengers, so IT firms such as Honeywell are developing ways to completely reimagine the passenger experience with the help of Artificial Intelligence. Future private jets are likely to feature AI that can predict client requirements, and adapt the environment to provide an optimal in-flight experience. This is likely to further increase demand for charter flights, as the best private jets will provide a distinctly better experience than commercial flights.
An industry of innovation
Always innovative, aviation will see even more experimentation over the coming years. The Lufthansa Airbus A330 EXPLORER is a wide-body private jet with a design which takes inspiration from explorer yachts. It features a folding veranda where passengers can enjoy a pre-departure drink, gym room and even on-board medical facilities. The model will carry up to 25 passengers and could offer a 21 hour flight range. And perhaps one of the most innovative new private jets currently in development is Antipode. This concept jet will use rocket boosters attached to its wings to reach 40,000 feet and Mach 5, before the rockets detach and return to base. The jetā€™s supersonic combustion engine will then take it up to 12,427mph (Mach 24), which is 12 times faster than Concorde. This would cut the flight time from London to New York down to an amazing 11 minutes! Of course, thereā€™s no guarantee that any of these futuristic private jets will enter production. But it is very clear that the private aviation industry is entering an exciting and innovative period. JetzHub will be keeping a close eye on these trends over the next few years!