A New Era for the Aviation Industry
The future of the aviation industry will be affected by one of the biggest changes that has ever occurred. In order to grow and develop in the future, the industry will have to comply with environmental targets put forward by governments, airlines, manufacturers and other organisations within the industry. Sustainable development will become a major factor for future growth of the business.
The job market for sustainable aviation is growing rapidly. Sustainable aviation needs to employ a wide range of people, including individuals with knowledge of sustainable technologies and environmentally friendly aviation operations. Whether you are just starting out in your career or are looking for a new challenge, the opportunities will flourish for individuals with the correct skill set.
Sustainable Technology is Reshaping Careers
The way in which aircraft are designed and manufactured is changing in order to use the lightest materials, use the most efficient engines and provide the best possible design for flight. This will create opportunities for sustainable technology specialists, engineers, aerospace professionals, software developers and data analysts.
However, for many of the aircraft emission-reducing technologies under research and in development for future application, it will take another couple of decades before they can be applied on an operational scale. New technologies, such as aircraft using hydrogen for propulsion or even fully electric aircraft, will require high energy-density batteries. The required experts will require in-depth knowledge of their specific area of work, in addition to an understanding of sustainability principles and of how to balance environmental goals with commercial ones.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel Creates Opportunities
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is produced from new renewable resources such as used oils and agricultural by-products. Although currently more expensive than conventional aircraft fuel, it can be blended with conventional fuel in refineries around the world. The potential reduction in lifecycle CO2 emissions is up to 80%, which in the short term is a key tool to help the aviation industry reduce its environmental impact whilst supplies of conventional oil dwindle.
As new aircraft are designed with sustainability at the heart, production of SAF is expected to increase dramatically in the coming years as airlines look to reduce their carbon footprint.
Airports are Evolving
Most airports around the world are currently working to make operations at their airport more sustainable. This could include the airport using renewable energy, airport vehicles running on electricity, airport terminal construction that includes sustainable features, or simply managing airport waste better.
Digital Skills Support Sustainability
In many cases, digital technology can be used to enable sustainable aviation. Whether it be enabling more efficient flight planning or more efficient aircraft operation, digital technology can also enable more efficient aircraft maintenance. In addition, it can also be used to analyse vast amounts of data created by airlines and airports, and use that information to improve their operations in order to reduce fuel usage. In order to support this, airlines are increasingly looking for employees who have a range of digital skills and who are able to apply them within the aviation industry.
Collaboration and Professional Development
Creating a sustainable aviation industry is a massive task, requiring airlines, airports, aircraft manufacturers, technology suppliers and governments to work together to achieve long-term environmental goals. A number of the challenges of achieving these goals will be to ensure that all parties are pulling in the same direction to achieve the environmental goals, whilst also ensuring safety, performance and commercial success.
The workforce of the future will require a range of skills, including communication, leadership and problem-solving. There are a number of universities, colleges, training providers and employers that offer different training programs. Most will incorporate sustainability, which will equip future aviation professionals with the skills, meeting their environmental responsibilities.
Looking Ahead
A bright future awaits sustainable aviation careers. Most projects will require a large number of skilled aviation professionals in the short term and long term. Innovative and sustainable aviation is a growing, long-lived and very diverse industry, which will provide people with sustainable aviation careers if they are prepared to learn and adapt.
Alchemy Global Talent Solutions is able to support your organisation in searching for and recruiting the best people to contribute to the aviation industry's sustainable future. With recruitment experts who have considerable knowledge of current and future aviation requirements, we recruit for a large number of aviation jobs globally. If you are looking for recruitment support, please contact Alchemy GTS today.
