I recently took part in a future-aero event in Amsterdam and met some truly inspiring developers building the next generation of aircraft. It was a strong reminder that the future of aviation is arriving faster than we think.
But amid all the excitement, one critical question was left almost untouched: who will actually use these innovations?
Two Technological Paths, One Big Challenge
The industry is currently split between hybrid-electric and fully electric solutions.
- Hybrid offers more operational flexibility and meaningful CO₂ reductions.
- Fully electric promises lower costs and emissions, but with significant operational restrictions.
Different companies are also focusing on different missions: seaplanes, STOL concepts, and traditional fixed-wing operations. Technologically, the creativity is impressive.
Yet, a Fundamental Problem Remains
Every concept being developed today largely sits in the 8–12 seat category, with aircraft priced in the millions. Their business cases rely on achieving 2,000+ flight hours per year, roughly 5.5 hours of flying every single day.
But in the real world:
- The charter market typically reaches 400–600 hours annually (800 at best).
→ Operational costs would be far higher than claimed.
→ Customer-driven flexibility doesn’t align with the constraints of new-tech aircraft. - Airlines can exceed 2,000 annual hours — but they operate fleets averaging 100+ seats.
→ The airline model simply cannot support a 9-seater.
This disconnect is rarely acknowledged publicly, yet it is a core obstacle to the commercial success of next-generation aviation.
Technology isn’t the bottleneck the operating model is.
LYGG’s Role in Solving the Puzzle
This is exactly the gap LYGG was built to address. We operate routes that match the operational capabilities of these new aircraft and enable the frequency levels needed to reach the cost points manufacturers assume.
In other words: LYGG provides the demand model that makes the aircraft model possible.
Until the industry solves who flies, not just what flies, the future will be unclear. But with the right operating model, that future is very clear and brings new possibilities.
Roope Kekäläinen, founder of LYGG
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- Why We Built Serial Tickets and Why They Matter
- How We Think About Pricing at LYGG
- How We Build our Schedules at LYGG
- How LYGG Builds Routes
- Unlocking Aviation’s Hidden Market: The Breadcrumb Cities
- Why Aviation Can’t Ignore It’s Long Tail Any Longer
- Get Ready for the New Era of Aviation
- Sustainable Aviation Needs Market Driven Approach