Frank Haselbach, Stephane Burguburu, Suresh Sampath and Pericles Pilidis

President, Vice-President and Board Members Communication and Education of ISABE, the Global Propulsion Forum

Beyond the Clouds There is Light. This is an appropriate descriptor of our industry. It is now emerging from the dark clouds of Covid, stronger and with a primary aim to improve environmental performance.

Ait traffic is reaching and passing, globally its pre-pandemic level and the flying public is as keen as ever to fly to distant places in search of togetherness, business, leisure, cultural and other benefits.

The third (or fourth, depending on how you count) revolution of aviation is well under way. This comprises the dual goals of environmental performance and digital benefits. Our industry is doing this while continuing to pursue growth to accrue large social and economic benefits.

A plethora of environment enhancing avenues is being explored with large investments being made in electric and hybrid electric propulsion, hydrogen propulsion, development of a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) infrastructure, route improvements to mitigate contrails and other relevant topics.

The deployment of digital capabilities is being pursued at a fast pace to enhance environmental performance, hasten the deployment of novel propulsion concepts and enhance the operational effectiveness of our sector.

A factor that is increasingly recognised by many industries, including ours, is the need to attract very large streams of young talented individuals to cultivate the promise of aviation to deliver its very beneficial fruit. With this in mind, ISABE has appointed two new members to its Board: one is for youth engagement, the other for diversity. These have the objective of making our industry an attractive source of careers for a wider range of individuals seeking the contribution and to reward a very broad spectrum of talented and motivated persons.

Notwithstanding the optimistic outlook there are many important issues requiring a large short term concentration of resources. With optimism our industry looks forward to overcoming these short term challenges and to accrue the longer term promise that aviation holds.

Join us in Toulouse, a global aerospace hub, in September 22-27 to participate in our exciting global ISABE Conference. Here you will interact with leading participants of the aerospace propulsion world. This Special Issue of the Aeronautical Journal will give you a flavour of our interests and, hopefully, engagement in this advanced technology and highly rewarding sector.