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As the aviation industry navigates a pivotal decade in its journey to net-zero emissions, the Sustainable Skies World Summit 2025 stands out as a critical gathering point for global leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to attend. With regulatory pressure mounting, new technologies on the horizon, and collaboration more vital than ever, the summit offers a unique platform to align ambition with action.

Industry professionals across aerospace, sustainability, finance, and government are coming together at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, home of the Farnborough International Airshow, to explore practical pathways to decarbonisation.

Here’s what industry leaders have to say and why you should also attend!

 

Driving Innovation Through Collaboration

“The pace of innovation in and around aviation is incredible, and airlines have made significant progress on operational efficiency and advancing new technologies. But the technologies we need for our industry’s future are still being developed and matured… Forums like Sustainable Skies provide an opportunity to deepen shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities, and to further galvanise action.”
— Diana Birkett Rakow, SVP, Public Affairs & Sustainability, Alaska Airlines

For leaders like Rakow, Sustainable Skies is more than a conference, it’s a space where the future of flight is being co-designed. As promising solutions like hydrogen, electric propulsion, and SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) gain traction, the summit helps bridge the gap between technical promise and industry-wide deployment.

A Platform for Sustainable Leadership

“As an industry, we have a responsibility to ensure that we balance growth with environmental and social responsibility. I look forward to connecting with industry leaders, innovators, and changemakers, working together to build a more sustainable future in aviation.”
— Nichola Bates, Managing Partner, Aerospace Xelerated & Head of Innovation, Boeing

The summit attracts visionaries committed to embedding sustainability into aviation’s DNA. It’s a chance to shape the next generation of solutions, not only by showcasing innovation but by forging lasting partnerships and driving cultural change within companies.

Building a Zero-Emission Future

“Sustainable Skies brings together the visionaries and decision-makers who are actively reshaping the future of aviation… This event is an important platform to share ideas, align on policy, and drive the innovation our industry needs to meet its climate goals.”
— Simon Newitt, President & CCO, Heart Aerospace

Heart Aerospace is among a wave of next-gen manufacturers pushing for electrified regional flight. For them, the summit is where alignment happens, between startups, OEMs, regulators, and investors, on what it will take to make zero-emission aviation a reality.

Tackling Compliance and Carbon Markets

“With environmental compliance becoming increasingly complex and costly for aircraft operators, we at Vertis are committed to developing innovative products and services that help the industry meet its obligations and navigate the road to decarbonization.”
— Alexandra Härmatis, Senior Corporate Carbon Trader, Vertis Environmental Finance

As market-based measures and carbon trading gain importance, finance and carbon experts play a growing role. Sustainable Skies enables these professionals to collaborate with industry peers and help operators meet stringent environmental requirements.

Scaling Up Sustainable Aviation Fuel

“While demand signals like SAF mandates are important, stronger policy support is essential to help scale production and close the affordability gap. The conversations at Farnborough will be crucial in helping align industry and government action to make SAF a commercial reality.”
— Olan Ryan, VP SAF, UK & Ireland, IAG

With SAF at the centre of near-term decarbonisation efforts, the summit serves as a high-impact venue to unite suppliers, airlines, and governments around scalable, commercially viable SAF production and uptake.

Data-Driven Decision-Making

“We’re attending the Sustainable Skies World Summit to elevate the conversation around aviation climate impact. Our goal is to bring clarity to aviation’s global footprint and demonstrate how actionable data can lead to better decisions today.”
— Maxime Meijers, CEO & Co-founder, Estuaire

Transparency is critical to credibility. Organisations like Estuaire are leveraging data and digital tools to help the industry measure what matters and the summit helps spotlight these efforts.

Shaping the Ecosystem for Zero-Emission Flight

“The decarbonisation of aviation is a monumental challenge that will require long-term thinking, strong government policy, and cross-industry collaboration… This event is a valuable opportunity to hear diverse perspectives and to align on the actions needed to deliver a truly sustainable future for aviation.”
— Jenny Kavanagh, Director, Green Skies Consulting

“Events like this are critical to driving progress on renewable energy, new technologies, and global policy frameworks.”
— Cesar Pereira, Head of Sustainability, Commercial Aviation, Embraer

Kavanagh and Pereira echo the importance of collective vision and multi-stakeholder engagement. From infrastructure to policy, the summit is where progress is accelerated, not just through innovation, but through system-wide alignment.

Whether you’re driving innovation, navigating policy, or scaling solutions, the Sustainable Skies World Summit 2025 is where industry meets purpose. The voices converging at Farnborough share a common goal: to transform aviation from one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonise into one of the most inspiring examples of climate leadership.

Are you ready to be part of that transformation?

Want to attend alongside these industry trailblazers?

Register for your free pass.

The Sustainable Skies World Summit 2025 has unveiled two pivotal panel sessions that will set the tone for this year’s gathering of global aviation leaders, policymakers, and sustainability innovators. As the industry faces a critical crossroads in its decarbonisation journey, these discussions will offer strategic insights, practical solutions, and the high-level collaboration needed to shape a net-zero future.

The Summit will kick off with its opening plenary ‘Political Shifts and the Future of Sustainable Aviation’ a timely and incisive session exploring how changes in political leadership, regulatory priorities, and geopolitical dynamics are reshaping the global aviation sustainability landscape. As the sector seeks to accelerate its transition to net zero, this session will examine:

Featuring influential voices from across the political and industry spectrum, the panel includes:

Later in the agenda, following its success in 2024, the summit’s C-Suite panel ‘Pioneering Solutions for a Net-Zero Future in Aviation’ will see top executives from across the aviation value chain showcasing the bold innovations and strategic partnerships they have put in place to drive real progress toward net zero. This solution-focused discussion will highlight:

Moderated by Nikhil Sachdeva, Principal at Roland Berger, this C-suite panel features:

These sessions will set the stage for all that follows, offering a strategic overview of the political forces defining aviation’s decarbonisation pathway, and attendees will gain firsthand insight into the disruptive innovations, infrastructure shifts, and business models that are propelling aviation’s sustainable future.

New for 2025, the summit will be offering interactive workshops to enable industry professionals to engage in shaping real-world solutions to accelerate Net Zero across the industry, from SAF, infrastructure and carbon accreditations for airports to non-CO2 emissions and take the next step in their strategies. In addition, a Careers Fair will take on the second day of the event, welcoming students, apprentices and graduates to the show from secondary and college/sixth form level, alongside a plenary in the agenda dedicated to Future Workforce.

With world-class speakers and agenda-setting discussions, Sustainable Skies World Summit 2025 offers a front-row seat to the future of aviation. Free registration is now open for attendees to secure their place at one of the year’s most influential aviation sustainability events.

View the full Sustainable Skies World Summit 2025 Agenda

As the aviation industry accelerates toward net-zero emissions, the Sustainable Skies World Summit 2025, taking place 14-15 May, is set to feature groundbreaking discussions on the most pressing challenges and innovations shaping the future of sustainable air travel.

This year’s agenda promises a high-profile programme of speakers and sessions that address crucial industry trends, such as airport and airline strategies, scaling SAF production and infrastructure, advancing hydrogen feasibility, integrating carbon removals and next-generation propulsion systems.

Speakers for the 2025 summit include:

With sustainability now a top priority for airlines, manufacturers, and airport operators, this year’s keynote panels will once again provide high-level discussions on how aviation executives are navigating an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape, evolving regulations, and shifting consumer expectations. This year, the agenda features an Airlines and Airports Fireside Chat, which will see key players in their sector discuss the state of their industry and the challenges they have, from sustainable policies to the implantation of new technologies. In addition, the C-Suite Panel, which generated international headlines in 2024, will see pioneers look at the solutions to those challenges, including maximising flight efficiency, adapting aircraft and technologies and how they are looking to invest in carbon removals in the future.

One of the most anticipated sessions, the “Sustainable Aviation Fuels: Pathways to Progress and Barriers to Breakthroughs” panel on day one will bring together key figures from airlines, fuel producers, and regulators to tackle the urgent need for large-scale SAF deployment. With governments setting ambitious emissions targets and airlines committing to cleaner fuel alternatives, the discussion will focus on reducing costs, increasing production capacity, and ensuring regulatory support for SAF.

The UK government will unveil its renewed sustainability strategy in the keynote “Jet Zero Reimagined: The UK’s Renewed Drive Toward Sustainable Aviation.” As the nation positions itself as a leader in green aviation, this session is expected to highlight policy updates, funding initiatives, and international collaborations aimed at slashing aviation emissions.

Aviation’s transition to net zero isn’t solely reliant on SAF and next-generation aircraft technologies will play a crucial role. The summit will feature expert insights into hydrogen propulsion, battery-electric planes, and hybrid-electric innovations. Industry leaders will discuss real-world applications, investment challenges, and timelines for these technologies to become commercially viable.

New for 2025, the summit will be offering interactive workshops to enable industry professionals to engage in shaping real-world solutions to accelerate Net Zero across the industry, from SAF infrastructure and carbon accreditations for airports to non-CO2 emissions and take the next step in their strategies. In addition, a Careers Fair will take place during the event, welcoming students, apprentices and graduates to the show on the afternoon of day two, alongside a plenary in the agenda dedicated to Future Workforce.

With sustainability at the heart of aviation’s future, the Sustainable Skies World Summit 2025 offers a platform for collaboration, innovation, and tangible action. Industry stakeholders, policymakers, and sustainability advocates are expected to gather for two days at the award-winning Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre in the UK for crucial discussions, setting the course for the next decade of aviation transformation.

From Ideas to Action – How SSWS Drives Sustainability in Aviation

The Sustainable Skies World Summit (SSWS), held on 14-15 May 2025 at the Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, is the premier global event for driving progress in sustainable aviation. Organised by the same team behind the renowned Farnborough International Airshow, this award-winning event offers a dedicated platform for companies to showcase their innovations, network with industry leaders and position themselves as key players in aviation’s decarbonisation journey.

A HIGHLY FOCUSED EVENT FOR MAXIMUM IMPACT

Unlike larger global summits, SSWS provides a more focused and targeted environment, ensuring every exhibitor and speaker gains visibility and personalised attention from event organisers and visitors. The size of the event enables businesses to engage directly with corporate decision-makers from across the aerospace, energy and logistics sectors, forging meaningful connections that drive real change.

Sustainable Skies World Summit builds on the convening power of Farnborough International, a name that for over 76 years has been synonymous with aerospace excellence. Through its portfolio of world-class aerospace events, Farnborough ensures the aviation industry remains connected and committed to achieving its sustainability goals.

The conversations started at Farnborough International Airshow and the Aerospace Global Forum will continue at SSWS25, maintaining necessary momentum and driving actionable outcomes.

 

WHO WILL YOU MEET?

Sustainable Skies World Summit convenes a diverse group of stakeholders critical to aviation’s ecosystem, including:

• Airlines and Airports
• Fuel suppliers, including SAF producers; energy providers
• Aerospace OEMs
• Cargo operators
• MRO providers
• Government representatives and Policy regulators
• Investors and VCs
• Leasing companies
• Worldwide media representatives
• Academia and more!

LEAD THE NET ZERO MOVEMENT – EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITIES TO ELEVATE YOUR BRAND AT SSWS

SSWS offers a range of exclusive partner-only benefits, individually tailored to help your business stand out in the sustainability space:

    1. Thought-leadership: share your insights through a highly sought-after speaking slot in Keynote Theatre or Accelerator Hub, showcasing your expertise in front of the industry’s top decision-makers.
    2. Access to enhanced networking opportunities: participate in exclusive breakfast briefings and networking receptions, all of which are created to facilitate connections with senior leaders in highly focused settings. New for 2025, the summit will introduce workshops and roundtables based on topics voted by stakeholders from previous events, ensuring deeper and more impactful conversations.
    3. Delegations programme: get exclusive partner-only access to our world-class delegations programme, including government representatives and primes, to influence key policies and secure valuable partnerships.
    4. Business Connections Exchange: gain priority access to our curated matchmaking programme, connecting global decision-makers to create long-lasting partnerships.
    5. Enhanced brand visibility: amplify your exposure through prominent branding opportunities before, during and after the summit takes place. Speak to our team at sustainableskies@farnborough.com to discuss how we can help you meet your objectives.

EARLY BIRD OFFER: SECURE YOUR PLACE NOW

The Early Bird offer is now live, allowing you to get involved in sponsorship, showcase or speaking opportunities at a discounted rate, offering you a higher ROI. Available until 31 Dec 2024 only.

DECARBONISING AVIATION TOGETHER at SSWS25

SSWS25 addresses the most pressing topics in sustainable aviation, offering an agenda driven by industry input. From the progress of SAF mandates to hydrogen adoption, from operational efficiency to tackling non-CO2 emissions, the summit covers critical areas that directly impact the global industry.

By participating in the event, you’re joining the global movement that shapes the future of sustainable aviation and accelerates the global progress towards reaching the industry’s Net Zero goals. Whether you’re looking to forge new partnerships, showcase your sustainability solutions, or influence the global though-processes, SSWS is the perfect platform to make an impact.

Contact the team today to get involved or book your FREE pass now.

Accelerating global progress towards Net Zero aviation

14-15 May 2025, Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre

Sustainable Skies World Summit, organised by Farnborough International in collaboration with Sustainable Aviation, is returning to the aerospace industry’s calendar on 14-15 May 2025.

Building on the resounding success of the 2024 edition, which saw Virgin Atlantic and British Airways CEO’s call for ‘radical collaboration’ between Government, aviation fuel providers and the wider industry to reach net zero by 2050, Sustainable Skies World Summit 2025 will see representation from the global aerospace, energy, manufacturing, finance and investment sectors, alongside regulators, academia and government departments, come together for two days of networking, demonstrations and insight sharing.

Bringing regulators and policy makers together to accelerate global standards from all corners of the world, the programme has been designed to stimulate collaboration and enable industry pioneers to leave with tangible outcomes to reach Net Zero targets by focusing on five key topics: sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), carbon removal, zero emissions, operation efficiency and future of flight.

This year the summit is introducing interactive workshops designed to delve deeper into the aviation industry’s biggest challenges and opportunities. These sessions will foster collaboration among like-minded professionals, providing a platform to exchange ideas, share best practices, and develop practical, actionable insights that participants can directly apply to their sustainability efforts.

The conference and Sustainable Solutions Showcase will display the latest developments in sustainable aviation technology and provide a forum to discuss how industry is moving in earnest from goal setting to implementation of its Net Zero strategies. In 2024, the showcase displayed the latest developments in sustainable aviation technology, services and intelligence from industry pioneers, including British Airways, GKN Aerospace, Rolls-Royce, ZeroAvia, WheelTug, Cranfield Aerospace Solutions, Nebo Air, Aerospace Technology Institute, and UK Civil Aviation Authority.

Attendees of the two-day show will be able to take advantage of a wealth of unparalleled networking opportunities, including the highly successful Business Connections Exchange and Welcome Reception.

Sustainable Skies World Summit is free to attend, and registration is now live.

To register for your free place, click here.

Virgin Atlantic and British Airways CEO’s call for ‘radical collaboration’ between Government, aviation fuel providers and the wider industry to reach net zero by 2050 Sustainable Skies World Summit 2024.

Sitting on a panel with Julie Kitcher, Chief Sustainability Office at Airbus and Brain Moran, Chief Sustainability Officer at Boeing, Virgin Atlantic’s Shai Weiss and British Airways’ Sean Doyle discussed the positive steps made between the organisations and the increased investment in sustainable technology to reduce carbon emissions. While progress is being made and the UK Government’s SAF mandate is welcome, the panel agreed that it’s not just the OEMs’ and airlines’ responsibility to drive change and more needs to be done by government and the wider sustainable aviation fuel infrastructure to achieve the targets set.

Speaking of the panel discussion, Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic, said: “It’s not often that you see two sets of competitors going toe to toe on stage, but today was unusual.

“We agreed that radical collaboration is required for our industry to reach Net Zero by 2050 with a focus on the near-term, including fleet modernisation, wide adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), as well as longer term technological innovation including Hydrogen and electrification.

“Last week, Virgin Atlantic published much anticipated finding from Flight100 as an open resource to show the industry that SAF is a safe, 100% drop-in replacement for fossil fuels. Decarbonisation is a big issue for all of us and we need to get it right, so there is not a choice for consumers between flying and being green; and the approximately 60% of the world who have not yet flown. Our position at Virgin Atlantic is clear – if enough SAF is made, we will fly it.”

Held 15-16 May at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, Sustainable Skies World Summit 2024 convened international aviation and aerospace market leaders, UK Government and global media to accelerate global standards and cultivate collaboration from all corners of the world. On day one Anthony Browne MP, Minister for Aviation, Decarbonisation and the Future of Transport at the Department for Transport met with exhibitors at the show and held an exclusive industry roundtable to highlight the progress his department is making, and the Jet Zero Council held a working group meeting to discuss the efforts to deliver net zero and zero emission aviation through UK production of zero-emission flights and SAF. The following day Mark Harper MP, Secretary of State for Transport, joined the discussion on stage, sharing the government’s plans to power Britain to the forefront of sustainable aviation.

Gareth Rogers, CEO of Farnborough International, said: “Sustainable Skies World Summit 2024 has cemented itself as a pivotal platform for industry, government, and regulators to put in place meaningful change to create a more sustainable future for aerospace and aviation. The meetings and discussions held over the last two days will propel strategy and partnerships forward, and we look forward to continuing the conversation with the global industry at Farnborough International Airshow in July.”

The technology showcase displayed the latest developments in sustainable aviation technology, services and intelligence from industry pioneers, including British Airways, GKN Aerospace, Rolls-Royce, Embraer, WheelTug, Cranfield Aerospace Solutions, Nebo Air, Aerospace Technology Institute, Reaction Engines, and UK Civil Aviation Authority. During the event, Haffner Energy announced Paris-Vatry SAF, a new Sustainable Aviation Fuel production project designed to meet the exponential demand for the decarbonisation of air transport. The biofuel will be produced using Haffner Energy’s patented technological process, via the thermolysis of local biomass residues.

Featuring over 40 speakers, the event has seen a 24% increase year-on-year in registration and attended by thousands of aerospace and aviation professionals, Sustainable Skies World Summit will return 14-15 May 2025.

Dates & Timings

Sustainable Skies World Summit returns on 15-16 May 2024 at Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre.

Event times are as follows:

Wednesday 15 May: 09:00-17:30 (Drinks Reception will take place 17:30-19:00)

Thursday 16 May: 09:00-17:00

For a full breakdown of the timings for each day, including conference and speaker details, please check out our Agenda Page.

Getting Here

By car: Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre is located just off the A325, accessible from the M3 (J4) and A31. Visitors driving to SSWS should use Gate A to access the site and follow signs to the dedicated parking.

Gate A Address: Postcode: GU14 6XE – Transport Road or What3words:///neon.grows.ranch

By train: If you are coming by Rail, Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre is a short taxi ride away from four stations: Farnborough Main, Farnborough North, North Camp and Aldershot.

There will be a free electric shuttle bus running between Farnborough Main train station and the venue during the following times: 

Wednesday 15 May: 07:00 – 19:00

Thursday 16 May: 07:00 -17:00

If booking a taxi, we recommend using Rushmoor Taxis: 01252 333 555

By foot: If you are staying locally and/or coming by foot, you can access the venue on foot via Gate B. For local hotel information please visit our venue website.  

Find our more about getting to our venue: https://www.farnborough.com/visiting-us/venue-information/getting-here/

Parking

Free onsite parking is available for all visitors to the event. Entry will be via Gate A and you will be directed to the relevant parking area.

There are electric vehicle charging points available if required but please be aware these are likely to be in high demand. We recommend charging your vehicle prior to arriving on site.

Accessibility

Our venue is fully accessible for all visitors, please visit our venue website for full details.

Registration & Security

To save time, everybody coming onsite should register and download their badges in advance. If you are inviting colleagues along to the event, please ensure they have registered prior to reaching the site.

Badges will need to be shown at the gate to access the site, and visitors are encouraged to print these at home prior to the event.

Please bring photo ID with you as this may be checked at the gate and be aware that bag checks will be carried out upon entry to the site.

Event Floorplan

Check out the innovative companies showcasing their products and services at this year’s show. Learn more on our Technology Showcase to discover all the companies involved and where to find them.

Cloakroom

There will be a cloakroom available for visitors, located in one of our meeting rooms. This will be open during the following times:

Wednesday 15 May: 09:00 – 17:30 

Thursday 16 May: 09:00 – 17:00

All property is left at owners risk.

Catering

Food and drink will be available to purchase at our catering station, found next to the Technology Showcase.

Free water refill stations will be available throughout the site.

The SSWS24 Drinks Reception will take place on Day 1 of SSWS24 (Wednesday 15 May) at 17:30 finishing at 19:00.

Social Media

Follow our Sustainable Skies World Summit channels on LinkedIn, X and Instagram and join the conversation using our event hashtags: #SSWS #SSWS24 #SustainableSkies.

Exhibiting Questions

If you had any outstanding queries regarding exhibiting at SSWS24, such as build-up and breakdown timings, please refer to the event regulations or contact the Operations Team at operations@farnborough.com

Terms & Conditions

Sustainable Skies 2024 Terms & Conditions

Aviation leaders Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic and Sean Doyle, CEO of British Airways have been announced in the first wave of keynote speaker announcements of the Sustainable Skies World Summit 2024.

Taking place 15-16 May 2024, Sustainable Skies World Summit 2024 will see representation from the global aerospace, energy, manufacturing, finance and investment sectors, alongside regulators, academia and government departments, come together for two days of networking, demonstrations and insight sharing.

Bringing regulators and policy makers together to accelerate global standards from all corners of the world, the programme has been designed to stimulate collaboration and enable industry pioneers to leave with tangible outcomes to reach net zero targets by focusing on five key topics: sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), carbon removal, zero emissions, operation efficiency and future of flight.

Making significant steps to be more sustainable, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are among the airlines leading the industry within the sustainable aviation sector.

Sean Doyle, Chairman and CEO at British Airways, said: “I am delighted to be participating in the opening panel of the Sustainable Skies World Summit 2024. The UK aviation industry is united in its commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 or sooner and we must act at pace and in collaboration to achieve this goal.

“Significant action is required to address aviation’s climate impacts and at British Airways we have a clear roadmap of initiatives, including investing in sustainable aviation fuel and carbon removals, and improving our operational efficiency to reach net zero. I look forward to an interesting discussion.”

Sustainable Skies World Summit 2024 programme includes the following speakers:

The conference and technology showcase will display the latest developments in sustainable aviation technology and provide a forum to discuss how industry is moving in earnest from goal setting to implementation of its net zero strategies.

Attendees of the two-day show will be able to take advantage of a wealth of unparalleled networking opportunities, including the highly successful Business Connections Exchange and Welcome Reception.

The conference programme at this year’s Sustainable Skies World Summit, taking place 15-16 May 2024, will be centered around 8 key plenaries. Ahead of attending the event, take a sneak peek at the topics going to be discussed.

Plenary 1: Bearing Witness to Change

In this thought-provoking plenary session, we will review the transformative landscape of sustainable aviation. Over the last twelve months, witness the dynamic shifts in the industry as we delve into the latest updates from ICAO, hear from government on their policy and key industry leaders on future plans that shape the trajectory of sustainable air travel. Our speakers will provide comprehensive overview of the evolving industry landscape, highlighting strides made, challenges faced, and the collaborative efforts propelling aviation into a greener and more sustainable future.

Plenary 2: Powering the Transition

In this session we confront the reality that transport cannot be decarbonised one mode at a time. For the first time at Sustainable Skies World Summit, we explore common challenges and solutions for achieving sustainability both on the roads and in the skies. Delve into the intricacies of topics such as hydrogen infrastructure, how is the grid going to cope with demand and feedstock availability as we unravel the complexities that connect sustainable roads and skies. Our session aims to foster holistic understanding of the interdependence between these modes of transport, providing a blueprint for a unified, eco-friendly future of transportation. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the shared journey towards a greener and more sustainable transport ecosystem.

Plenary 3: Policy Progress

This plenary session will highlight the latest policy developments reshaping the aviation landscape, emphasising the importance of learning from global counterparts to implement the best policies. Explore the implications of the new EU ban on misleading advertisement and the impact it holds for airlines. Unravel the global policy tapestry, examining initiatives such as Fit for 55, the Inflations Reduction Act, and the latest UK SAF Mandate. Learn from the best practices emerging worldwide as we dissect their implications on the aviation industry.

Plenary 4: SAF and Carbon Removal

This plenary critically examines the journey from Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) ambition to tangible delivery, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs in the aviation sector pursuit of environmental sustainability. As the industry pledges towards SAF, we explore the gap between intentions and implementation, examining strategies to bridge this divide. Moreover, we underscore the indispensable role of carbon removals as a necessity, unravelling their significance in achieving meaningful progress towards a carbon-neutral future. An insightful discussion that navigates the complexities of turning ambitious promises into concrete actions, emphasising the crucial role of carbon removals in the path to 2050.

Plenary 5: Non CO2

This plenary session delves into the often-overlooked realm of non-CO2 effects, which constitute two-thirds of  aviation’s total climate impact. With a focus on contrails, we address the uncertainties surrounding their environmental impact and explore cutting edge mitigation strategies. Uncover the latest tests, data, and technologies shaping our understanding of non-CO2 effects, as we strive to address this significant portion of aviation’s climate footprint. Join us for an in-depth discussion that offers insights into the advancements that will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the industry.

Plenary 6: Time to look at Hydrogen

This plenary session propels us into the future of aerospace with a focus on hydrogen technology, a key player in achieving zero emissions. We’ll explore the transformative potential of hydrogen in propelling the industry towards 2050 and the crucial role of next-generation infrastructure needed to support and optimise the deployment of hydrogen-powered aircraft. Uncover this thought-provoking discussion on the promise of hydrogen, as we dissect its impacts on achieving zero emissions in aerospace and emphasise the paramount importance of developing cutting-edge infrastructure to usher in a new era of cleaner, greener flight.

Plenary 7: Show me the money

In this plenary we will discuss the imperative of unlocking investments in the pursuit of sustainable growth within the industry. We will explore how the development of more targeted KPIs in sustainability is essential to avoid the pitfalls of greenwashing . Discover strategies to align financing with genuine environmental impact, ensuring that investments contribute meaningfully to sustainable practices. Additionally, we address growing concerns among creditors regarding potential greenwashing litigations, highlighting the need for transparent and specific KPIs to guide investment towards authentic and lasting contributions to a greener future. Join us for a thoughtful discussion on the intersection of finance and sustainability.

Plenary 8: Integrating Sustainability into Operations and Infrastructure

This forward-looking session explores the future of airports, seizing opportunities to adopt low emissions development strategies in the construction of new capacities. Delve into innovative approaches that airports can embrace to reduce emissions, optimise energy efficiency, and foster sustainable practices. Uncover the transformative potential of integrating circular economy principles into infrastructure projects, ensuring that airports of the future are not just hubs of connectivity but also pioneers of environmental stewardship. A visionary discussion on the evolution of airports as we navigate the pathways to low emission development.

Join the conversation at the Sustainable Skies World Summit 2024.

As the anticipation builds up towards the upcoming Sustainable Skies World Summit 2024, taking place at the world-renowned Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre on 15-16 May, let’s dive into one of the key event themes – Carbon Removal.

What is Carbon Dioxide or CO2?

Carbon is the fourth most abundant element in the universe and is a primary component of all life on Earth. Carbon Dioxide is a molecule composed of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms. We breathe air in, exhaling its waste product.

It is a colourless, odourless gas that is slightly denser than air. CO2 is a greenhouse gas, that acts as an insulator due to its non-conductive properties, trapping heat in the atmosphere and contributing to climate change.

It comes from natural sources, like volcanic activities or animal metabolisms. Human activities, like deforestation, industrial activities and burning fossil fuels also contribute to the levels of CO2 found in the atmosphere.

Increased levels of carbon dioxide are being absorbed by the Earth’s oceans, raising their pH levels. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, at the moment the average pH is around 8.1 (alkaline), but as the oceans continue to absorb CO2 they will become more acidic, negatively affecting ocean life.

How much CO2 is there in the atmosphere now?

According to recent data, the levels of carbon dioxide hit 424 ppm (NOAA, 2023), further highlighting the imperative urgency behind the need for carbon removal.

Overall, aviation accounts for 2-3% of global carbon dioxide emissions, with many leading industry players announcing plans to have zero-emission aircraft in the coming years, i.e. Airbus will be using hydrogen fuel cells in their fleet by 2035. The progress is slow, but it can be accelerated.

Atmospheric CO2 at Mauna Loa Observatory

Carbon Removal Technologies

The market for dioxide removal has expanded significantly in the last decade, with companies worldwide investing in developing solutions to capture and permanently store CO2. According to McKinsey, by 2025, next-generation climate technologies could attract $1.5 trillion to $2 trillion of annual capital investment, creating jobs across various sectors.

Direct Air Capture (DAC) technique is leading the way in the field, where CO2 is extracted directly from the atmosphere and stored either underground or incorporated into existing industrial processes.

Enhanced Weathering is another strategy that focuses on removing CO2 from the atmosphere, storing it in rocks, which are then worn away by the rain, releasing elements like calcium and magnesium. This technique is very effective, capable of removing billions of tons of carbon from the air yearly, however, it takes a lot of time, energy and other resources to make a positive effect on the environment.

Pioneering solutions to carbon removal continue to emerge. Synhelion, a company from Zurich makes jet fuel from carbon monoxide, sunlight and water by pouring CO2 and water into a tower and using concentrated solar heat to break the molecules into hydrogen and carbon monoxide. This ‘syngas’ can then be used to create other fuels, like kerosene, methanol or other hydrocarbons. When combusted, only as much carbon dioxide is released as was originally taken in, making it carbon-neutral.

SSWS24 – Leading Global Collaboration

Global collaboration is key to advancing the industry’s journey to reach Net Zero. Carbon emissions released in one country are directly affecting other countries across the globe. Major industry players are developing collective approaches to foster innovation that lead to more environmentally-friendly technologies.

Experts in the field will explore this topic in more detail at the upcoming Sustainable Skies World Summit 2024, fostering collaborative solutions that will make these technologies more effective and commercially viable.

Governments play a crucial role in driving the industry’s progress towards a more sustainable future. SSWS24 will feature vital insights from policymakers that will accelerate the successful integration of carbon removal technologies into the global supply chain.

Book your pass now to the Sustainable Skies World Summit 2024 as we bring together the industry once again to discuss and implement strategies to put the sector on the path to reaching Net Zero. The conversation and insights gained at SSWS24 will form the foundation for discussions at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024, accelerating the aerospace industry’s progress towards reaching its Net Zero commitments.

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