In 2008 the biggest drawbacks to flying are the high price of fuel and the emissions arising from burning it. These problems will be history in 50 years. What might flying be like then in 85 years?

The future challenge is sustainable development, especially with respect to adequate supplies of water and food, and land use. The more asphalt there is on the globe, the less forest and farmland.

Will there be a return to elegance of flying?

No other form of travel has encompassed so many dreams and romanticism as the human aspiration to fly. Finally it became a symbol of the technological revolution and illustrated humankind’s capacity to surpass its limits. A long-desired dream gradually became part of everyday life. Then came the concern about climate change. 

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The aviation industry in 85 years

When we look back from 2093 at aviation today, what will we see? What will we be saying about fuel efficiency in 85 years? Was IATA’s 2007 environmental vision realised? Did we build that zero-emissions aircraft by 2057?

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Interview  

Sustainable development is a must  

“What we want to achieve – not only in our business, but in our whole existence – is sustainable development,” says Rainer Von- Wrede, Head of Environment from Airbus Engineering.

Watch Rainer Von-Wrede's interview on future energy resources

Watch Rainer Von-Wrede's interview on environmental challenges