Zero-Emission Aircraft Market Report 2026

The zero-emission aircraft market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $28.04 billion in 2025 to $32.29 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.1%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increasing global focus on reducing aviation-related greenhouse gas emissions, early development of solar-powered experimental aircraft demonstrating feasibility of zero-emission flight, rising investment in alternative propulsion research including electric and hydrogen systems, growth of government-funded sustainability programs supporting low-emission aviation technologies, expanding ecosystem of suppliers developing lightweight materials and components for zero-emission aircraft prototypes.

The zero-emission aircraft market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $56.06 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.8%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing adoption of hydrogen and battery-electric propulsion systems for regional and short-haul aircraft, increasing regulatory pressure on airlines and manufacturers to meet stringent emission reduction targets, expansion of infrastructure for green hydrogen production and charging to support zero-emission aviation, development of large-scale commercial zero-emission aircraft to replace conventional fleets, rising partnerships between aerospace manufacturers and energy companies to accelerate zero-emission aircraft deployment. Major trends in the forecast period include advancements in hydrogen fuel storage systems, growing development of lightweight aircraft materials, integration of next-generation solar energy systems, increased r&d in long-haul zero-emission aviation, rising collaborations for hybrid propulsion innovation.

The increasing air traffic is expected to drive the growth of the zero-emission aircraft market going forward. Air traffic refers to the operation of aircraft within designated airspace and at airports, including all categories of flights such as commercial, cargo, and private aviation. Rising air traffic can be attributed to key factors such as economic expansion, globalization, and growing tourism. Zero-emission aircraft provide a cleaner alternative to traditional aircraft, addressing climate concerns and making air travel more acceptable to environmentally conscious passengers and regulators. For example, in August 2025, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global passenger air traffic reached 9.8 billion passengers, representing a 3.7% increase from 2024, with strong demand continuing in all major regions. Therefore, the increasing air traffic is contributing to the growth of the zero-emission aircraft market going forward.

Major companies in the zero-emission aircraft market are emphasizing advanced solutions such as battery-electric propulsion systems to reduce carbon emissions, lower operating costs, and improve regional air mobility. Battery-electric propulsion involves using onboard batteries to power electric motors, eliminating the need for conventional jet fuel and significantly reducing environmental impact. For instance, in May 2023, Aura Aero, a France-based aircraft manufacturer, revealed its redesigned 19-passenger hybrid-electric regional airliner project, the ERA. The revised configuration includes eight electric motors - an increase from the previous six - and features an optimized tail design for regional operations. Developed to enhance efficiency and reduce operating costs, the aircraft is projected to cut current expenses by half compared to conventional fuel-powered aircraft, demonstrating technological advancements in the zero-emission aircraft market.

In November 2023, ZeroAvia, a U.S.-based company specializing in hydrogen-electric aviation solutions, entered into a partnership with Japan Airlines (JAL) and JAL Engineering Co., Ltd. (JALEC). The collaboration focuses on exploring the development of hydrogen-powered aircraft, with attention to safety, economic viability, and maintainability. Japan Airlines (JAL) is a Japan-based airline and aviation services provider known for passenger and cargo transport, aircraft maintenance, and aviation technology initiatives.

Major companies operating in the zero-emission aircraft market are AeroDelft, Airbus SE, Bye Aerospace, Eviation Aircraft, Joby Aviation, Lilium GmbH, Wright Electric, Boeing Company, Northrop Grumman Corporation, ZeroAvia Inc., MagniX, Zunum Aero, SkyDrive Inc., Pipistrel d.o.o., HyPoint Inc., Wisk Aero, XTI Aircraft Company, Rolls-Royce plc, Ampaire Inc., Alaka'i Technologies, Volocopter GmbH, Vertical Aerospace, H55, Heart Aerospace, Scaled Composites, Embraer SA, Faradair Aerospace Limited, Beta Technologies.

Europe was the largest region in the zero-emission aircraft market in 2025. The regions covered in the zero-emission aircraft market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs on advanced aerospace components, battery systems, and hydrogen storage materials are impacting the zero-emission aircraft market by increasing production costs and slowing the procurement of high-value propulsion technologies. These tariffs primarily affect the hydrogen and electric source segments, fuel cell technology systems, and production hubs across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. While overall costs rise and supply chains face delays, tariffs also encourage localized manufacturing, domestic supply development, and innovation in alternative materials, which can create long-term benefits for market resilience.

The zero-emission aircraft market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides zero-emission aircraft market statistics, including zero-emission aircraft industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a zero-emission aircraft market share, detailed zero-emission aircraft market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the zero-emission aircraft industry. This zero-emission aircraft market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

Zero-emission aircraft are aircraft that produce no greenhouse gas emissions during their operation, including carbon dioxide or methane. These aircraft offer a sustainable alternative to traditional models, contributing to a reduction in the carbon footprint associated with air travel.

The primary types of zero-emission aircraft include turboprop rear bulkhead, turbofan system, and blended wing body. The turboprop rear bulkhead is a structural component installed in the fuselage to separate the pressurized zone from the unpressurized zone, providing support for the pressure load in the cabin. These aircraft can be powered by various sources such as hydrogen, electric, and solar, catering to different range requirements such as short-haul, medium-haul, and long-haul flights. Additionally, diverse technologies such as electric motor technology, fuel cell technology, hydrogen fuel storage, and power management and distribution technology are applied in passenger and cargo aircraft.

The countries covered in the zero-emission aircraft market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The zero-emission aircraft consist of sales of aircraft that uses various technology including solar power during its operation. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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