According to a consumer survey commissioned by Ansys, more than 60 per cent of consumers express worry regarding the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from aircraft and show a willingness to pay extra for greener air travel.

The findings of the Sustainable Aviation Survey, which also explores consumer attitudes toward aviation-related air pollution, were released at the Paris Air Show on June 19.

The survey highlights the increasing concern among consumers about the carbon footprint of aviation as global aviation leaders and organisations strive to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

To address these concerns, aircraft manufacturers are embracing Ansys’ advanced digital transformation technologies to develop more efficient aircraft, engines, and propulsion systems.

The survey results indicate that nearly 70 per cent of consumers would trust alternative fuel sources, such as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), electric, hybrid-electric, or hydrogen-powered, if extensive simulation and testing were conducted using established methods for aircraft safety.

Additionally, the survey reveals that a significant portion of respondents would be open to travelling in aircraft powered by sustainable aviation fuel (46 per cent), electric (36 per cent), hybrid-electric (38 per cent), or hydrogen-powered (38 per cent) within the next five years.

Another key aspect of the survey focuses on the future of flight, with 82 per cent of respondents expressing comfort in flying in next-generation aircraft capable of reaching speeds of 3,500 mph. This preference for faster travel times stems from the fact that 50 per cent of respondents admitted to having refrained from travelling somewhere due to long flight durations.

Moreover, over half of the consumers surveyed (57 per cent) expect to experience flying in an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft at some point in their lives. The potential benefits of eVTOLs cited include reduced stress, decreased road rage, and a lower carbon footprint.

Regarding safety, although nearly half of the consumers polled (47 per cent) expressed preparedness to fly in an autonomous plane in their lifetimes, a major concern for 57 per cent of respondents was the absence of a pilot to handle potential external or internal issues, such as turbulence and flight control.

Walt Hearn, senior vice president of worldwide sales and customer excellence at Ansys, said: “Consumer research is essential as the aviation industry transforms to meet the demands of consumers and needs of our planet

“Ansys’ simulation solutions not only help engineers build cleaner and smarter systems, but also help manufacturers establish trust with consumers.

“By virtually testing and verifying new technologies with simulation, aircraft manufacturers can demonstrate the viability of sustainable alternatives, build confidence where there is uncertainty, and expand the possibilities for next-generation air travel safely and efficiently.”