Dr. Youcef Abdelli will explore the state of sustainable aviation, providing insights into the challenges, technological advancements, and regulatory shifts shaping the industry’s path to net-zero emissions. The presentation will examine aviation’s historical and projected emissions up to 2050, addressing why decarbonization is critical and what solutions are currently being developed.
We will dive into the three main pillars of sustainable aviation: electric propulsion, hydrogen-powered aircraft, and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), analyzing their feasibility, scalability, and industry adoption trends. Additionally, we will discuss how regulatory bodies like the FAA and EASA, are adapting frameworks to support these innovations and what challenges remain in certification, infrastructure, and market adoption.
The session will provide a forward-looking perspective, outlining the key takeaways and actionable steps needed to accelerate sustainable aviation, from technology investments to policy support and industry collaboration. This presentation will offer valuable insights for engineers, industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers navigating the evolving landscape of sustainable aviation.
Dr. Youcef Abdelli, Founder & CEO | Zero to 1 Technologies (ZT1)
Dr. Youcef Abdelli is a seasoned aerospace professional, entrepreneur, and innovator with extensive experience in electric aircraft programs at renowned organizations such as ZeroAvia, Amazon Prime Air, magniX, Liebherr, Airbus, and Safran. His expertise spans aircraft electrical systems, propulsion systems, and power electronics hardware and software.
At ZeroAvia, Dr. Abdelli served as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Chief Engineer, leading the development of cutting-edge electric propulsion systems. At Amazon Prime Air, he spearheaded the propulsion and battery systems department. Previously, he played a pivotal role at magniX, directing the development of electric propulsion systems and power electronics.
Among Dr. Abdelli’s notable achievements is the integration of aerospace-grade power electronics systems into successful flight tests, including the E-Beaver with Harbour Air Canada in December 2019, the E-Caravan in Moses Lake in 2020, Eviation Alice in 2022, the R44 Electric Helicopter, and hydrogen propulsion systems for the UH-ATR42, Piper, and Dornier 228 with ZeroAvia. His involvement in these programs highlights his technical leadership and significant contributions to advancing electric propulsion systems for aviation.
Dr. Abdelli also made substantial contributions at Liebherr Aerospace, working on various aerospace and automotive projects.
As an entrepreneur, Dr. Abdelli founded ZT1 Technology in January 2024 with a vision to redefine electric aviation. His company focuses on developing electrified aircraft designed for two- and four-seat planes, leveraging cutting-edge propulsion technology to create a more accessible and sustainable regional air transportation ecosystem. By integrating advanced electrification solutions, ZT1 Technology is bridging the gap between small airports and regional connectivity, enhancing the aviation value chain while minimizing infrastructure costs.