The aviation industry is on the brink of its third revolution, with electric vertical take-off and landing (E-VTOL) aircraft and air taxis making rapid advancements toward commercialisation. One industry expert, Shantanu Mishra, a Capital Project Manager at a leading aerospace OEM, remains optimistic about the future while acknowledging the significant challenges ahead. A self-proclaimed ‘Systems Thinker,’ Mishra shares his insights on what it will take to make electric flight a reality.

A holistic strategy is crucial

Mishra, who has worked extensively in systems engineering, design, and management, emphasises that the transition to net-zero emissions requires more than just technological breakthroughs. “A holistic strategy must keep in view the supply chain, infrastructure, regulations, and, most importantly, the workforce that will enable this transformation,” he asserts. Over the past several years, he has advised both government and private institutions on modernizing training infrastructure in the European aviation industry.

“Technological advancement means little without skilled professionals who will support and sustain these future products and services,” he explains. One of his significant contributions in this regard has been the development of an international training curriculum for aviation technicians in 2024. This European initiative, backed by EU research grants, aims to train technicians in electrical power systems, software, and hardware essential for modern electric aircraft. “AAM’s success isn’t just about creating innovative aircraft platforms,” he adds, “but also about building an ecosystem of skilled professionals who will operate and maintain them.”

Economic and operational viability remains a major hurdle

While the promise of electric flight is exciting, Mishra acknowledges the formidable technical and economic challenges. “Introducing a safe and reliable system at competitive operational costs is no easy task, especially with new technology,” he says. The economics of aviation play a crucial role, as airline operators prioritize cost efficiency over other factors like emissions. “Despite regulatory measures to curb emissions in an industry responsible for over 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions, rising costs are inhibiting progress and lowering investor confidence,” he points out.

For electric aviation to succeed commercially, Mishra stresses that operational costs and turnaround times must be optimised. “This is particularly relevant in cost-sensitive markets like India,” he notes. However, he believes that India presents a unique opportunity for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) solutions due to its persistent traffic congestion and infrastructure gaps. 

India’s role in the AAM revolution

According to Mishra, India’s leadership in AAM is well-positioned due to several factors. “India has the world’s largest pool of engineers, expertise in software development, systems integration, and a growing manufacturing capability in electric vehicles and battery technology,” he explains. Additionally, a rapidly urbanizing population drives the demand for innovative and affordable transportation solutions, making the country an attractive market for AAM development.

“Companies that wish to leverage the first-mover advantage must adopt a comprehensive approach, considering technical, environmental, commercial, and operational elements from the outset,” he advises.

Modernisation is key to future success

To successfully implement electric aviation, Mishra believes that companies must invest in modern tools and methodologies to manage the increasing complexity of aerospace systems. “Legacy systems, tools, and methods currently used in the industry have become outdated and must be replaced due to the growing complexity of aerospace technologies,” he argues. “The aerospace industry, which has built a stellar safety record over decades, cannot afford to rely on outdated approaches.”

Mishra’s experience in leading digital transformation programs has reinforced his belief in the importance of modern engineering tools. “By implementing modern software tools and processes, organizations can gain better visibility and control over their development efforts,” he explains. “Digital engineering and transformation should be the core focus of every organization to stay relevant in today’s dynamic market.”

The road ahead

As the aviation industry moves toward electrification, the road ahead is filled with challenges and opportunities. “Developments in electric aviation extend far beyond technology and innovation,” Mishra remarks. “To succeed, the industry must focus on sustainable solutions that are both economically viable and operationally practical.”

While the path to commercialization may be difficult, he remains confident that a combination of technological innovation, a skilled workforce, and modern systems engineering strategies can usher in a new era of sustainable aviation. “With the right approach, we can redefine air transportation for generations to come,” he concludes.