Aircraft Industry: Airbus details Smarter Skies vision for planes in 2050

Futuristic Airbus

Aeroplanes that take-off and prepare to land at much sharper angles than they do at present are among Airbus' latest industry forecasts.

The European jet-maker made the predictions in its Smarter Skies vision for air travel in 2050.  The firm said the moves could minimize noise, reduce fuel emissions and potentially shorten flight times.

Other suggestions made in the Smarter Skies document included:

• The use of software to select routes that make the best use of weather conditions to cut fuel use.
• Planes flying in formation to take advantage of reduced drag making them more energy efficient.
• The use of biofuels, solar power and hydrogen as alternative sources of power.

Read more: BBC News - Airbus details Smarter Skies vision for planes in 2050