According to the latest patent data, innovation in AI for sustainable aviation and aerospace tech has increased by 20% over the past five years.
The Inside Green Innovation: Progress Report from Appleyard Lees found that global patent filings in the sector went up from 254 in 2019 to 307 in 2023. Increasing control of variables such as aircraft altitude, speed, and pressure, as well as advances in onboard systems and digital data processing, are attributed to the growth.
Adam Tindall, UK and European Patent Attorney for Appleyard Lees, said:
Innovations in areas such as aircraft design, propulsion, operational efficiencies and reductions in waste and energy infrastructure – traditionally aimed at achieving business advantage – are now expected also to reduce carbon emissions and meet environmental targets.
As part of this, AI-driven innovation is showing a tangible surge in aviation and aerospace and redefining how organisations are addressing the industries’ challenges.
The report found that Boeing remains the leader in sustainable aerospace development, filing the most patents over the past ten years. Other leaders include Honeywell, GE Aerospace, Airbus, Thales, and the Chinese company SZ DJI Technology. French company Safran was also highlighted as a key developer in fuel efficiency and hybrid propulsion.
The use cases for AI in sustainable aviation development are only increasing. From flight ops to SAF production, the potential for optimisation is extensive. However, the aviation industry must remember that strong data foundations are required for AI insights to be useful and actionable. And while the patent activity is promising, as net-zero emissions targets loom nearer, successful implementation will be just as important as innovation.
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