Generales

By Natalia Piedrahita Tamayo, Journalist 

Over the past decade, the aerospace industry has advanced significantly in sustainability by developing electric aircraft and sustainable fuels to revolutionize global mobility. In response, the Aerospace Engineering program at the Universidad de Antioquia is implementing strategies to tackle infrastructure and funding barriers in the shift toward sustainable transportation. 

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Reference image. Volocopter GmbH, founded in Germany in 2011 by Alexander Zosel and Stephan Wolf, develops eVTOL multicopters for fast, efficient urban travel. Photos: courtesy. 

In recent decades, efforts to promote sustainability and innovation have accelerated in high-emission sectors like mobility and aerospace. One of the industry’s greatest challenges now lies in developing cleaner, more efficient systems. Advances in electric aircraft and sustainable fuel research reflect the aerospace sector’s growing commitment to environmentally responsible solutions. 

Connecting remote areas, such as rural regions and jungles, remains a longstanding challenge for Colombia. The country’s varied topography and thermal zones complicate access to its subregions. “The concept of lightweight electric motors offers a promising solution, enabling the creation of efficient, accessible systems that could revolutionize urban mobility by reducing car dependence and cutting the carbon footprint in major cities. However, the greatest challenge lies in rural areas in Colombia and Latin America. While we have innovative ideas, a lack of funding hinders our progress. This represents a historical debt to the Nation, which all key stakeholders—Academia, Industry, the State, and Society—must address in the development process,” stated Juan Francisco Puerta Ibarra, professor of the Aerospace Engineering program at UdeA’s El Carmen de Viboral campus. 

Meanwhile, the development of green hydrocarbons, such as sustainable aviation fuels, is making significant strides in the aerospace industry. These fuels, derived from organic waste, biomass, and captured CO2, have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from conventional aircraft by up to 80%. Major companies like Boeing and Airbus are investing heavily in this technology, which could lead to a more sustainable future for commercial aviation. 

GreenMile, a sustainable product distribution company in Medellín, Bogotá, and Cali, offers another example. With its fleet of electric, low-emission trucks, the company has become a leader in environmentally friendly mobility. 

However, there are more pressing challenges to address. “In the case of the Aburrá Valley, we are witnessing rapid expansion, which makes mobility increasingly problematic. Improving road infrastructure and reducing travel times through tunnels are just some challenges. These issues become more challenging as the need to address environmental and noise pollution grows. People are late to appointments, waste fuel, and face chaos in their daily lives due to inadequate mobility. Data analysis shows that solutions must be compelling and, most importantly, practical and accessible,” said Angélica Turizo Donado, an Aerospace Engineering student and co-founder of Lotu.System. 

You may be interested in reading: The stressful mobility spiral in the Aburrá Valley 

Together with his partner, Samuel López, he has positioned their venture to provide short- and medium-term solutions for Colombia’s aerospace sector. The company has developed eco-friendly innovations, including a fully electric eVTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft and a wind tunnel for academic research. It has also tested small-scale turbines using alternative fuels to promote a greener aviation industry. Soon, they plan to focus on drones and remote-operated aircraft for agriculture, security, and urban services. 

Regional outlook 

While Brazil and Mexico have made significant progress in the aerospace sector, the region still relies largely on conventional aviation, which restricts efforts to minimize the environmental impact of air transport. In contrast, countries like Colombia show great potential, as they have started investing in research and development to explore alternative aerospace systems. 

In this context, aerospace engineering focused on local challenges will be essential for Colombia and the region to become prominent players in this sector. 

Aerospace engineering at UdeA 

“The Aerospace Engineering program is part of the global shift toward sustainable innovation in aviation. It focuses on electric aircraft, space vehicles, and alternative propulsion systems, preparing the next generation of aerospace engineers while advancing research and development. Students have access to cutting-edge laboratories and opportunities to collaborate with aerospace companies, preparing them to address the challenges faced by the global aerospace industry,” said Puerta Ibarra.