Enabling the Future of Flight with Henkel Adhesive Technologies

The aviation industry is at a turning point. With global commitments to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the pressure to reimagine air travel has never been greater. Traditional aircraft, while essential for long-haul journeys, face significant challenges in meeting these sustainability goals. This is where electric vertical take-off and landing ‏(eVTOL) aircraft are set to make their mark, pioneering a new era of cleaner, quieter, and more efficient mobility. 

Henkel, a global leader in adhesives, is playing a pivotal role in this transformation, extending its expertise from the automotive sector into the emerging field of electric aviation.

The rise of eVTOL aircraft is closely tied to the global drive toward achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The aviation industry has committed to making air travel greener and more sustainable, and eVTOLs have emerged as one of the most promising solutions. Unlike conventional aircraft, eVTOLs are designed for shorter-range, localised travel - a cleaner and quieter alternative to helicopters. While their relatively small size and battery weight currently limit their use in long-haul aviation, they are ideally suited for urban and regional mobility, where efficiency and sustainability are paramount.

Henkel’s experience in electric vehicle innovation provides a strong foundation for tackling the unique challenges of eVTOL development. Lightweight design, energy efficiency, and structural integrity are critical to enabling safe and sustainable flight. Managing heat from batteries and ensuring passenger safety are also key considerations. Henkel Adhesive Technologies offers essential solutions across these areas, including structural bonding, battery and energy storage systems, and electronic components. These technologies help make aircraft lighter, stronger, and more efficient, directly contributing to extended battery range and improved overall performance.

Henkel’s aerospace team, based in the UK and Germany, has been actively involved in technical collaborations and development programs over the past few years. These efforts reinforce Henkel’s commitment to advancing eVTOL innovation within Urban Air Mobility initiatives in the UK.

While Henkel adhesives continue to push the boundaries of what eVTOL technology can achieve, broader adoption still faces challenges. Infrastructure is not yet in place, and many urban authorities have yet to establish regulatory frameworks for this new mode of transport. Henkel is actively engaging with partners and industry stakeholders to help shape the next phase of development and address these challenges head-on.