This year’s EBACE was a milestone, prominently featuring leading AAM companies at both the Palexpo exhibit hall and Geneva Airport, showcasing innovative low-emission and zero-emission aircraft powered by hydrogen, electric, and hybrid-electric systems. Experts discussed the future of automated commercial flights within the AAM sector, emphasising the need for a collaborative approach to safely integrate autonomous passenger aircraft into global airspace, starting with highly automated systems assisting pilots. EBACE2024 introduced an expanded Innovation Zone, highlighting key speakers from prominent eVTOL aircraft developers and other AAM stakeholders. Conference sessions covered topics such as hybrid hydrogen-electric eVTOLs, eVTOLs in emergency missions, and hydrogen propulsion for net-zero carbon goals.

Developers aim to enable fully automated commercial flights, with AI promising to revolutionise aviation. Experts noted that integrating automation with human pilots could enhance operations, but full autonomy will take time and require collaboration across the aviation ecosystem.

At the Innovation Pavilion, pioneering AAM companies showcased groundbreaking models, including Beyond Aero’s hydrogen-powered ONE, France’s first manned hydrogen-electric flight and future electric business jet; ELECTRON’s 100 per cent battery-powered regional aircraft and all-electric cargo plane; Hydroplane Limited’s modular hydrogen fuel cell for various aircraft types; Lilium’s all-electric eVTOL Jet set for a 2026 market release; Vaeridion’s efficient electric “microliners” expected to operate before 2030; and VoltAero’s hybrid-electric aircraft for diverse uses, with the Cassio 330 hybrid electric aircraft on display and its first flight anticipated by year-end.