New Report: Global Opportunities in Sustainable Aviation in the Trump Era
Our report explores Trump’s 2024 re-election, climate policy shifts, and their impact on sustainable aviation and US business prospects.
Our latest report analyses how US President Donald Trump’s 2024 re-election and climate policy shifts may impact sustainable aviation, while highlighting global innovation and offering recommendations for industry players and policymakers. Download it here.
As the Trump administration moves swiftly to withdraw from the Paris Agreement and freeze climate spending, concerns have emerged about the future of sustainable aviation.
Within hours of taking office in January 2025, Trump signed an executive order on “Unleashing American Energy” that included pausing funding from key climate initiatives and declaring a national energy “emergency”.
Given America’s outsized influence on global aviation and its position as the world’s second-largest carbon emitter, these policy shifts have sent ripples through the industry.
However, a deeper analysis suggests that the transition to sustainable aviation is likely to continue largely unaffected by US federal policy changes.
In fact, the resulting redistribution of leadership and investment could accelerate innovation and deployment of sustainable aviation technologies in other regions, whilst still providing opportunities for American companies to thrive in an increasingly global market.
Key insights from the report:
Global clean energy investment has overtaken fossil fuel investment worldwide, marking a decisive turning point in energy economics.
Major airlines like Delta have reaffirmed their climate commitments, stating they remain committed to net zero emissions by 2050.
The Asia-Pacific region is seizing leadership: China now controls 60% of global electrolyser capacity and aims to increase SAF production to 2 million tons by 2025; Japan is investing nearly $98.8 billion in hydrogen technologies; and Singapore’s mandatory SAF requirements for all departing flights from 2026 will reshape regional fuel markets.
Saudi Arabia’s strategic pivot is reshaping Middle Eastern aviation, with the kingdom redirecting 73% of its massive $1 trillion investment portfolio toward non-oil industries.
Republican-led US states have captured 85% of clean aviation investments, with substantial job-creating projects underway in Texas, Georgia, Louisiana and Oklahoma.
Among the Democrat-led states California established a $50 million legal fund to defend climate programs amid federal reversals, while Washington secured $48 million for advanced aerospace materials.
The conversation has fundamentally shifted from environmental compliance to economic competition, with sustainable aviation technologies now positioned as critical to energy independence and industrial leadership.
Though federal policy shifts create uncertainty, sustainable aviation has reached a point of no return driven by market forces, technological advancements, and global leadership.
Our report provides valuable insights on how to navigate the complexities of this transition amid policy uncertainty. It also offers actionable recommendations for policymakers and industry leaders to adapt their strategies, ensuring alignment with shifting economic priorities, technological advancements, and evolving global frameworks.
To explore more innovations in electric, hybrid-electric, hydrogen, and SAF technologies, check out our previous reports here. Don’t miss our new book, Sustainability in the Air, and SimpliFlying CEO Shashank Nigam’s podcast of the same name.
For February 2025, we’re pleased to feature 4AIR as our exclusive Sponsor of the Month. 4AIR is leading the way with the industry’s first framework to address aviation’s climate impact – offering clear, verifiable pathways to reduce and counteract emissions. Discover their services, including compliance monitoring and The Assure SAF Registry, to advance your sustainability efforts.