Hydrogen aircraft and hybrid technologies Despite the overarching sense of many in the aviation industry that hydrogen will play a limited role in the near future, progress on hydrogen aircraft certification continues, supported by targeted public funding. In 2025, the UK government announced £43 million to accelerate green aviation technologies, including hydrogen propulsion, signalling continued policy support even as deployment timelines evolve.47 Constraints around both the availability and affordability of hydrogen and clean energy are shifting the industry’s focus towards hybrid aircraft (powered by aviation fuel and batteries) as a more practical near-term option.48 Airline investments in hybrid regional aircraft reflect a growing interest in transitional solutions that lower emissions while remaining compatible with current energy, infrastructure and certification limits. Electric vertical take-off and landing Securing access to expanded electricity supplies will prove vital to facilitate the commercial deployment of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This technology, which is expected to become commercial within one or two years, could initially target airport shuttles and short-haul urban routes in cities such as Dubai and major US hubs. Last year saw some notable partnership and purchase agreements, including collaborations between Archer Aviation and Saudi Arabia,49 Serbia50 and Los Angeles;51 as well as between Joby Aviation and United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia and Kazakhstan.52 Once fully commercialized, eVTOL aircraft could transform local passenger transport, logistics and emergency responses while reducing emissions. Although regulatory hurdles persist across jurisdictions and some stakeholders are questioning the affordability of eVTOL technology, executives consulted for this report confirmed that cross-sector collaboration is accelerating, as governments, industry and regulators converge around shared priorities for certification, infrastructure and airspace integration. The US is a good example of this convergence, as the government announced a new advanced air mobility national strategy in December 2025 to fast-track deployment of eVTOLs.53 The strategy aims to promote: –eVTOL demonstrations by 2027 to investigate the implications for airport infrastructure and kick-start the development of new supply chains in the US. –eVTOL operations by 2030, in both urban and rural areas. –Further development by 2035, including more advanced technology and fully autonomous flights.2.4 Developments in aircraft powertrains – hydrogen, hybrid and eVTOL 2.5 Boosting efficiency and sustainability through AI and data Digitally optimized, low-carbon operations are the future of aviation services. Innovation and greater collaboration across the aviation ecosystem will drive meaningful progress in all aspects of sustainability. As technology advances, airports, airlines and aviation services providers have a unique opportunity to redefine ground operations by integrating smarter, safer and more efficient tools into daily operations. Further investment in infrastructure and AI-enabled systems which improve safety, increase efficiency and strengthen real-time decision-making will create a foundation to accelerate sustainability progress. The direction for airport operations is clear: a cleaner, safer and more connected future, built on strong partnerships and a shared commitment to sustainability. Hassan El-Houry, Executive Chairman, Menzies Aviation Global Aviation Sustainability Outlook 2026 19