Battery-electric aviation represents a promising pathway to substantially reduce the overall climate impact of short-haul air transport. This includes complete elimination of both in-flight CO₂ and non-CO₂ effects. Nevertheless, considerable debate and uncertainty remain regarding whether the technology can achieve meaningful scale and deliver a significant impact at continental level. Previous studies, however, have typically examined technical, economic, or environmental feasibility aspects in relative isolation, often focusing on specific routes or individual aircraft types. This thesis addresses these gaps through an integrated framework that couples machine-learning-based demand forecasting, algorithmic network design, uncertainty modelling, and sector-wide GHG mitigation assessment under realistic gravimetric battery energy density constraints. A custom Python-based software tool with an interactive Streamlit dashboard enables evaluation of any combination of European airports and announced electric aircraft types, as well as a fully customisable aircraft model for extensive sensitivity and scenario analysis. Key results show that the XGBoost model predicts baseline demand on unserved routes with high accuracy (R² = 0.79, SMAPE = 18.7%). Electric aircraft could induce approximately 25.1% additional demand through reduced operating costs and higher willingness-to-pay for zero-emission flights. Under projected near- to mid-term solid-state battery pack energy densities (356–480 Wh/kg), 13.8–22.3% of European aviation sector CO₂ emissions could be avoided. Network design identifies an intra-European early-phase hub-and-spoke configuration requiring charging at only 15 strategic hubs plus two connectors, while maximising electrifiable passenger demand. The study shows that battery-electric aviation outperforms competing technologies on short-haul routes in terms of cost, emissions, and energy efficiency. However, achieving the full 22.3% decarbonisation potential requires electrifying more than 50% of all European flights, which translates into challenges, as the R&O analysis of this study shows. Collaborative action as well as incentives and targeted policy support will be essential and will require a shift from Europe’s rather isolated focus on SAF. The network configurations presented in this study provide a strong starting point for collaborative development, while recommendations for future research include realistic decarbonisation pathways integrating the phase-out of conventional aircraft and the study of high-impact policy measures.

Bachelor Thesis: Design Synthesis Exercise 2023
Group 13: Electric General Aircraft
in collaboration with
Group 10: Mid-Flight Recharging System

Addressing the pressing need for sustainability amid climate change, the aviation sector is under pressure to mitigate its significant carbon emissions. As aviation accounts for over 2% of global emissions, achieving zero-emissions aviation by 2050 is crucial. The challenge lies in finding alternatives to jet fuel. One option is battery-powered electric aviation, but limitations such as range constraints and emissions during production and disposal must be considered.

This report proposes a solution to extend the range of all-electric passenger aircraft. The ElectriFly aircraft can currently fly 600km at 110m/s before requiring recharging. To achieve perpetual flight capability, a mid-flight recharging system is introduced using a drogue and probe system, similar to military refueling technologies. This approach not only increases range but also reduces turn around time at airports.

Powered by four parallel-connected solid-state batteries with an energy density of 600kWh/kg, the ElectriFly aircraft features 14 propellers using distributed propulsion and potential plasma actuators. This setup improves aerodynamic performance, reduces noise, and allows for regenerative braking, easing the burden on the recharging drone. Real-time data sensors enable predictive maintenance, minimizing downtime and providing pilots with crucial flight anomaly information.

This research presents a promising solution for electric aircraft limitations through mid-flight recharging. The proposed ElectriFly aircraft offers extended range capabilities and improved operational efficiency, supporting the goal of sustainable aviation.