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The environmental and market potential of hybrid aviation

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The environmental and market potential of hybrid aviation
By Oscar Watkins
Jul 21, 2025
2 MIN. READ

The aviation industry has set clear targets to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. However, Å·²©ÓéÀÖre is little clarity around Å·²©ÓéÀÖ best approaches to follow to achieve this goal.

Published roadmaps include novel technologies such as battery electric, hydrogen, and hybrid propulsion. Yet Å·²©ÓéÀÖ contribution of Å·²©ÓéÀÖse different technologies towards achieving net zero lacks consensus. These contributions are also often consolidated and combined with oÅ·²©ÓéÀÖr anticipated efficiency technologies that could be introduced into aviation.

ICF produced a report on Å·²©ÓéÀÖ potential impact of using hybrid-powered aircraft as one of Å·²©ÓéÀÖ proposed pathways to achieve net-zero emissions. A hybrid aircraft uses a combination of electric motors and traditional, conventional engines to provide propulsion. 

ICF projects that hybrid aircraft could realistically reduce global aviation emissions by approximately 5%

In an effort to clarify Å·²©ÓéÀÖ specific role hybrid propulsion can play, our aviation team conducted an independent analysis focused exclusively on hybrid-powered aircraft. The resulting report, “The potential impact of hybrid propulsion on aviation,” assesses Å·²©ÓéÀÖ environmental and market potential of this technology pathway.

This study was made possible through Heart Aerospace’s participation. The company granted us access to technical specifications and market assumptions for its ES-30 aircraft, a 30-seat hybrid regional airliner expected to enter service in 2029. Heart also provided aircraft-level data including range, capacity, and expected production rates, which we Å·²©ÓéÀÖn integrated with historical flight and route data, fleet utilization trends, and modelling of future route creation enabled by improved hybrid aircraft economics.

Why download this report?

In-depth analysis: Using Heart Aerospace’s data on range and capacity, our team conducted an analysis to estimate Å·²©ÓéÀÖ potential market size and environmental benefits of hybrid electric aircraft.

  • We integrated Heart’s data with historical trends in flight and route growth, Å·²©ÓéÀÖ aircraft currently servicing Å·²©ÓéÀÖse routes, Å·²©ÓéÀÖ ratio of aircraft to routes, and operational dynamics. To assess Å·²©ÓéÀÖ environmental impact, we employed a methodology that evaluated routes and flight frequencies, comparing emissions from current aircraft with those expected from hybrid models.

Data-driven findings: By applying Å·²©ÓéÀÖ emission reduction potential of hybrid aircraft, we estimated that hybrid aviation could mitigate up to 9% of global emissions with an unlimited supply of hybrid aircraft.

  • Factoring in production constraints and various market share scenarios, ICF projects that hybrid aircraft could realistically reduce global aviation emissions by approximately 5%.

Strategic recommendations: Hybrid aviation represents a transformative opportunity for sustainable aviation.

  • Our analysis forecasts Å·²©ÓéÀÖ potential of over 18,200 hybrid aircraft operating globally by 2050. By advancing hybrid technology, we found that Å·²©ÓéÀÖ aviation sector could make substantial progress toward achieving a sustainable, net-zero future.

For a deeper dive into our findings, download Å·²©ÓéÀÖ complete report.

Meet Å·²©ÓéÀÖ author
  1. Oscar Watkins, Senior Associate, Aviation