Sustainable Aviation at Michigan

A new digital feature published by the University of Michigan College of Engineering highlights research currently underway in the realm of sustainable aviation at the U-M. Michigan Aerospace researchers are leading the charge towards a more sustainable future, working to solve solutions regarding opportunities in the field of sustainable commercial air travel.

In the article, researchers highlight three technologies that are emerging in the aviation industry: sustainable aviation fuels, electrification and hydrogen power. While all of these challenges are a focus with U-M Aerospace Engineering professors, it is still unclear which avenue will be the most feasible option to reach the goal of net zero emissions by 2050. Many working in the field share a similar sense of urgency to progress the industry, stating that waiting until tomorrow may be too late to start tackling many of the challenges facing sustainable aviation development. 

Much of this conversation was a topic of discussion last fall at the 2023 Sustainable Aviation Symposium, hosted on the University of Michigan’s North campus by members of the Michigan Initiative for Sustainable Aviation (MISA). At the symposium, industry leaders, government representatives and engineers in the field came together to showcase work currently underway in the field of sustainability. 

Read the full digital feature from the University of Michigan College of Engineering to see how our engineers are pioneering innovative solutions to many of these challenges.