Top Tier Impact presents

Aviation Companies Driving Innovation
The Global List

Companies Shaping the Future of Aviation

The global aviation industry, valued at over $800 billion, is undergoing a critical transformation to reduce its 2-3% share of global CO₂ emissions. With passenger air travel expected to double by 2050, achieving net-zero flight is no longer optional—it’s an economic and environmental necessity. Governments, airlines, and investors are accelerating efforts to scale sustainable aviation fuels, hydrogen propulsion, electric flight, and next-gen battery systems, creating a rapidly growing market for clean aviation technologies.

This infographic highlights leading startups and companies driving sustainable aviation across key categories:

  • Biofuels: Derived from renewable sources like plant oils and agricultural waste, sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) offer a drop-in replacement for conventional jet fuel, significantly cutting emissions while leveraging existing aircraft and fueling infrastructure.

  • eFuels: Also known as synthetic fuels, eFuels are produced by capturing CO₂ and combining it with green hydrogen. This process creates a climate-neutral alternative to fossil-based jet fuels that can be used in current aircraft.

  • Hydrogen-powered aircraft: Hydrogen can power aviation through fuel cells, which generate electricity for electric propulsion, or hydrogen combustion, which burns hydrogen in modified jet engines without CO₂ emissions. These technologies have the potential to enable long-haul, zero-emission flights.

  • Electric & hybrid-electric aircraft: Fully electric aircraft use battery power for zero-emission short-haul flights, while hybrid-electric aircraft integrate batteries with fuel-based systems, increasing efficiency and reducing overall emissions for regional travel.

  • eVTOLs (electric vertical takeoff & landing aircraft): Designed for urban air mobility, eVTOLs provide a new mode of transportation for passengers and cargo, leveraging electric propulsion for quieter, more sustainable flight.

  • Advanced battery systems: Innovations in solid-state batteries, energy storage, and fast-charging technology are extending the range and efficiency of electric aircraft, making battery-powered aviation increasingly viable.

The aviation industry is evolving rapidly, with startups and established players alike developing the technologies that will define the future of flight. Explore the companies leading this transformation!

 

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Aviation: The full list

This list includes various aviation-focused companies spanning different areas of the industry. If your company isn't included and you have exposure to aviation startups, feel free to submit it here and we’ll make sure to include you.

The Full List
Aviation Companies

1. Biofuels for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs)

2. eFuels for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs)

3. Hydrogen-Powered Aircraft

4. Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) Aircraft

5. Hybrid-Electric Aircraft

6. Sustainable Aircraft Batteries