Conceptual Feasibility Study of Integration of Aircraft With New Propulsion Technologies in Current Airline Flight Schedules

Given the increasing importance of sustainability in the aviation industry, the integration of aircraft with new propulsion technologies that produce fewer, or no emissions is essential. The aim of this paper is to analyze the feasibility of the integration of aircraft with new propulsion technologies in current network planning of flights. We present a methodology to select suitable routes based on the performance of the two selected aircraft (Airbus zero emissions (ZEROe) turboprop hydrogen aircraft as well as a Wright Spirit electric aircraft). The network of a major German airline is used as a case study. Possible routes are selected, and new route network flight plans are generated to fulfill the passenger (PAX) demand. New propulsion technologies create additional complexities from an airline and airport perspective, which are listed and then categorized in 4 areas regarding the selected aircraft types. The results show that aircraft with new propulsion technologies can be integrated into existing route network Flight planning, but new complexities will arise and must be considered from an airline as well as airport perspective to guarantee smooth operations. This paper focuses as a proof of concept on strategical planning of different flights and not the planning of one specific single flight.