
EcoAviation
Navigating the Future of Sustainable Aviation
The pressure is on.
Aviation companies around the world are under growing scrutiny to prove their commitment to decarbonization. But where should you start—and what actually works?
At Leeham Co., we specialize in aviation consulting with a clear-eyed focus on sustainable aviation solutions that deliver measurable impact and business value. We’ve published more than 100 technical analyses on electric aircraft, hydrogen propulsion, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and hybrid technologies over the last six years—and we’re just getting started.
The Challenge: Complexity in Decarbonizing Aviation
While aviation accounts for only 2%–3% of global CO₂ emissions, it remains a high-visibility target in climate debates. Politicians and the public demand faster progress. Investors want climate-aligned strategies. The loudest voices often promote battery-electric and hybrid- electric aircraft—but those are not one-size-fits-all solutions.
We’re not here to discourage innovation. But we are here to guide clients through the engineering, economic, and regulatory realities of what it takes to make aviation more sustainable today—and tomorrow.
Sustainable Aviation: No Single Holy Grail
Electric aircraft, hydrogen-electric propulsion, SAF, and hybrid designs each have their place. But our experience—over 150 years of combined industry expertise—tells us that incremental improvement, backed by solid analysis, is the most viable path.
We Assess
- Emissions reduction potential across full aircraft life
- Aircraft energy requirements, range, and duty cycles
- Cost vs. benefit of SAF, hydrogen, or electric conversion
- Technology maturity timelines and regulatory pathways