Electric Aviation Takes Center Stage at Paris Air Show
As the Paris Air Show 2025 approaches, aviation professionals are focusing heavily on the future of sustainable flight, with aircraft electrification emerging as a central topic of discussion. Recent industry research shows that electric aviation is no longer a distant dream but a fast-approaching reality. According to a May 2025 report from The Business Research Company, the global aircraft electrification market is projected to reach $11.85 billion by 2029, highlighting the rapid growth and investment pouring into this transformative sector.
Electrification promises to reshape the way aircraft are designed and operated, though many of its benefits may be subtle from the passenger’s perspective. Travelers can expect quieter cabins, smoother flights, and improved air quality. For airlines, however, the advantages are more significant, including lower maintenance costs, fewer mechanical failures, and greater operational efficiency. This shift toward electrification raises hopes that it could play a major role in reducing aviation’s growing contribution to global emissions.
Aviation remains one of the most carbon-intensive transportation sectors on a per passenger-kilometer basis. For example, a single round-trip flight from London to New York generates emissions comparable to heating an average European home for a year, according to a 2018 Atkins Realis study. As global air travel demand continues to rise, aviation’s share of climate change emissions is expected to expand even further. This makes the development of new propulsion systems, including electrification, a priority for reducing the sector’s environmental footprint.
A study published by ScienceDirect supports the growing consensus that electric propulsion, combined with alternative fuels, improved routing strategies, and innovative aircraft designs, can help aviation cut its emissions. However, electric propulsion is not the only focus of electrification efforts. Systems such as flight controls, braking, and cabin pressurization are also being electrified to improve efficiency, reduce weight, and enhance fuel economy.
Collins Aerospace is among the industry leaders pushing these advancements. In a conversation with AeroTime ahead of the Paris Air Show, Todd Spierling, Principal Technical Fellow of Power & Controls at Collins, explained how the company is driving innovation in electric systems to boost efficiency and lower maintenance costs. Spierling highlighted that electrification allows traditionally hydraulic or pneumatic systems—like landing gear, cabin pressurization, and temperature control—to be powered by electricity, improving both reliability and performance. He also emphasized the challenges of electric aviation, such as managing weight, energy density, and thermal performance, since aircraft require extremely efficient, lightweight components.
Collins Aerospace’s commitment to electrification began over two decades ago and has already led to significant milestones, such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s “More Electric” design. The 787 features Collins’ bleed-less electric environmental control system, which uses electric compressors to regulate cabin air directly, replacing older hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
Looking ahead, Collins sees even broader opportunities for electric aviation. Spierling noted that electrification could revolutionize sectors like urban air mobility, regional air services, and overall airline operations by lowering fuel consumption and operating costs. To support this vision, Collins recently expanded its European presence with a new engineering center of excellence in Wolverhampton, UK, and a production line for electric thrust reverser actuation systems in Colomiers, France.
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