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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Business Connections Exchange: gain priority access to our curated matchmaking programme, connecting global decision-makers to create long-lasting partnerships.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) has become an increasingly popular topic in the industry and as this technology is gathering momentum, many people still have questions about it. So, here’s everything you need to know about SAF ahead of the Sustainable Skies World Summit, as we answer the most talked about questions.
7. What is SAF?
Sustainable Aviation Fuel is an alternative to fossil fuels, typically made from plant and animal materials. Compared to traditional jet fuel, SAF reduces carbon emissions by up to 80%, depending on the source of material, method of production and the overall supply chain.
Other fuels being researched and tested include Lower Carbon Aviation Fuels (LCAF) and Zero Emission Fuels (ZEF)
Lower Carbon Aviation Fuels (LCAF)
LCAFs are bio-jet fuels that could act as a complementary measure to SAF.
The overall CO2 emissions savings vary. Currently, these fuels must be blended with kerosene for certification reasons but also because there is not enough production to meet fuel demand.
Recommendations to accelerate this sector call on policy makers to support initiatives delivering at least a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions and have a significant supply of feedstock in order to create LCAF at a big enough scale.
Zero Emission Fuels (ZEF)
ZEFs are also known as carbon-neutral fuels, meaning they produce no net-greenhouse gas emissions or carbon footprint.
They are typically made using carbon dioxide (CO2) as a feedstock, which involves capturing and converting CO2 into a viable aviation fuel such as liquid methanol.
6. Is SAF the same as biofuel?
SAF is generally the preferred term in aviation as it encompasses the scope of materials used to produce it, including both biological and non-biological resources. Biofuels are not necessarily always produced sustainably, and therefore the term is avoided when discussing aviation-specific fuels. Biodiesel in particular is not suitable for use in aviation.
5. Who makes Sustainable Aviation Fuel?
Currently, some of the top producers of SAF include Neste, World Energy, Gevo, Alder Fuels and SkyNRG. In December 2022, the UK government announced funding for 5 UK-based projects to produce SAF, some of which focus on converting household waste into sustainable fuel.
4. How does Sustainable Aviation Fuel reduce emissions?
Compared to conventional fuels, burning SAF fuel reduces the amount of CO2 emissions across its lifecycle as well as other impurities such as sulphur dioxide.
‘One of things that really confuses people is that when we consume SAF in the engines we still produce a form of CO2, but it’s obviously made from biogenic sources or from captured CO2’ … ‘So in terms of increasing net CO2 in the atmosphere, SAF doesn’t do that. It’s the timeline over which we are recycling that carbon which is important’
3. Is Sustainable Aviation Fuel actually sustainable?
SAF provides a significant reduction of CO2 emissions, but it is a drop-in solution meaning most current aircraft can only use a 50% blend of SAF and normal jet fuel. 100% SAF flights have been tested but they require technological modifications to the aircraft first.
2. Who uses Sustainable Aviation Fuel?
Based on recent data, more than 50 airlines are using or have trialled the use of SAF, with a total of over 450,000 flights to have taken to the skies (IATA). As it stands, the biggest barriers preventing more widespread usage of SAF is the cost and availability.
1. Is Sustainable Aviation Fuel more expensive?
Generally, SAF is far more expensive that traditional fuels, often double the cost. This is the main reason why many airlines and carriers have been reluctant to adopt it. The cost of production partnered with the low demand is what is keeping the overall cost of SAF so high, with many citing the need for government incentives and investment as the solution.
‘SAFs are wonderful, they’re great, if you can get it. We wholeheartedly support any effort from government incentives and through the market to ramp up as fast as possible the production of these game changing sustainable aviation fuels.’
To accommodate for the increased predicted numbers of flights and passengers in 2050, a huge amount of SAF will need to be produced. So, how does the industry do this?
Is SAF the right strategy? Is hydrogen or electric a better investment?
The discussion around SAF and the road to Net Zero more generally will be a key topic of conversation in a number of panel sessions planned for SSWS25.
Join the conversation at the Sustainable Skies World Summit, 14-15 May 2025 at Farnborough International, UK
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:
Sean Doyle, CEO, British Airways
Shai Weiss, CEO, Virgin Atlantic
Brian Moran, Chief Sustainability Officer, Boeing
Val Miftakhov, CEO, ZeroAvia
Russ Dunn, Chief Technology Officer, GKN
Dr Mark Bentall, Head of R&T, Airbus
Dr Florian Allroggan, Executive Director, MIT
Raimund Zopp, Co-Founder, Flight Keys
Jonathon Counsell, Group Head of Sustainability, IAG
Dr Ulrike Ziegler, Managing Director, Impact on Sustainable Aviation
Shashank Nigam, Founder and CEO, SimpliFlying
Mark Pilling, Aviation Journalist, Editor and Consultant
Dirk Singer, Head of Sustainability, SimpliFlying
Gianni Spinelli, Carbon Markets Development Lead, Drax Group
Vladimir Borodin, ECP Specialist, Decarbonizing Aviation, World Economic Forum
Jon Matthews, Group Head of Capital and Planning, AGS Airports Ltd
Sebnem Erzan, Head of Travel Sustainability, Google
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.
At the moment, much of the discussion surrounding sustainable aviation is centred on Net Zero targets. The specific roadmaps differ from country to country but on the whole, they are predominately set on reducing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by 2050.
Many argue that these measures do not go far enough and that the real goal should be focused on True Zero. How the industry plans to reach these targets, through alternative technologies and addressing the non-CO₂ effects, will be introduced in this blog and further discussed at the Sustainable Skies World Summit in May 2024.
What is the difference between Net Zero and True Zero?
Net Zero quite simply is the target of negating the amount of greenhouse gases produced by human activity by reducing emissions and removing carbon dioxide already in the atmosphere. The UK Government has set out strategies to decarbonise all sectors of the UK economy in order to meet Net Zero targets by 2050.
In comparison, True Zero considers both CO₂ and non-CO₂ effects and is what many in the industry believe should be regarded as the true goalpost in sustainable aviation.
What are the Non-CO₂ Effects?
Although carbon dioxide emissions are the most frequently talked about, they only make up a small percentage of the issue. Emissions from aviation specifically also include nitrogen oxides (NOx), water vapour and contrails, particulates, carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, and sulphur oxides (SOx). These could potentially have a 2–3 times greater climate change impact than CO₂ alone (Roland Berger).
Non-CO₂ emissions have frequently been overlooked with much of the attention being placed on carbon emissions alone, but as the industry looks beyond Net Zero 2050 targets it must broaden its scope and truly address how we can achieve zero emission flight.
What is Zero Emission Flight?
Flying without producing any emissions is a difficult challenge. Zero emission flight ultimately requires an alternative source of power to conventional jet fuel and the industry is working tirelessly to research and develop new solutions that utilise hydrogen, electric, solar and hybrid technologies all with the hope of delivering truly zero emission flight.
The leading technologies showing potential at the moment are electric and hydrogen. Electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs) could offer a zero emission solution but currently only for short distance flights. Learn more about the role of eVTOLs here.
Hydrogen on the other hand, could provide the answer to truly zero emission flight, with many leading aerospace companies paving the way with research and development.
Hydrogen in Focus
Hydrogen has been safely used in the industry for many years and could play a major role in the future of sustainable flying. Firstly, hydrogen can be combusted to create electrical power for battery-powered aircraft such as eVTOLs. Secondly, hydrogen can be used as a fuel itself, replacing the need for conventional jet fuel and sustainable aviation fuel in the long run.
The latter option, whilst boasting the most potential, also creates the biggest challenge. There are numerous engineering challenges to consider with hydrogen technology but by far the most pressing is the fuel density of hydrogen. Simply put, to use hydrogen as a direct fuel you would need much bigger fuel tanks than what is currently used on commercial airliners. This will require a fundamental shift in how aircraft are designed.
To compare this with the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), which currently require no change to the aircraft itself, hydrogen is a huge long-term investment and something not everyone is yet fully behind. With numerous technologies being developed and tested, it has become difficult for investors to know which path to back.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Investment
To achieve Net Zero targets and ultimately True Zero, there will likely not be a single solution, but instead a combination of changes to technology, fuels and operations. The short-term measures we make will play just as important role and these include maximising the usage of SAF, minimising fuel burn through operation efficiency and carbon removal measures. SAF is one of the leading developments and currently can cut carbon emissions by 65% (source: IATA). Learn more about SAF here.
However, to achieve absolute zero emission flight we must go further. A revolution in either sustainable fuels or technology will have the greatest impact and these long-term measures will likely require a shift in how we view flying and perhaps lead to a big change in aircraft design.
As it stands, many of the short-term measures only concern reducing CO₂ emissions to meet Net Zero targets. To take this further, considering non-CO₂ emissions and reaching True Zero, longer-term strategies and bigger changes will be required.
Going Beyond Flight
To reach True Zero, zero emissions in the skies also need to be reflected on the roads and other forms of transport. To achieve this across the industry, we must go beyond the actual flight and consider operational and airport emissions too. This includes collaborating with other transport industries and analysing the full supply chain. Read more about Operation Efficiency.
Leading Voices
ZeroAvia, ‘Hydrogen-electric is the best option for long-term transition to clean aviation’
Airbus’ ZEROe Project, ‘Airbus’ ambition is to bring to market the world’s first hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft by 2035’
IATA, ‘Liquid hydrogen as a potential low-carbon fuel for aviation’
What to expect at SSWS24
The conference programme at this year’s Sustainable Skies World Summit will feature sessions dedicated to zero emissions, this includes the exploration of non-CO₂ effects and the impact of zero emission aircraft.
Hear from the leading experts about what projects and technologies are worth investing in and how collaboration across the sector is performing. Join the conversation at SSWS24!
The conversation will also continue at this summer’s Farnborough International Airshow, with many of the sessions from SSWS24 feeding directly into the sustainability theme at FIA2024.
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.
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.
This May, the Sustainable Skies World Summit (SSWS) will return to our iconic venue to investigate key themes that will contribute to a more sustainable future for the aviation industry. The rapid growth of technology has created an exciting opportunity to revolutionise air travel by enabling a cleaner and more efficient form of transportation. This blog post will focus on one of the key themes of SSWS24 – Future of Flight and explore how eVTOLs can pave the way for the industry to achieve its Net Zero commitment.
As we look towards a more sustainable future, it is imperative to explore the key innovations within the sector which could transform the future of flight as we know it. The Electric Vertical Take-off and Landing aircraft (eVTOLs) have been gathering momentum in recent years as a catalyst for discovering alternative sustainable ways to fly.
eVTOL and its Impact of Sustainable Aviation
An eVTOL aircraft uses electric-powered rotors or propellers and can smoothly transition from vertical take-off to forward flight. The concept emerged in 2009 when NASA released a video of the Puffin eVTOLs concept,an electric-powered vertical take-off and landing air vehicle, achieving its first flight in 2010, gaining immense attention worldwide. Since then, advancements with electric propulsion have truly taken off with leading industry players like Boeing and Airbus as well as emerging innovators such as Joby Aviation and Volocopter, experimenting in their development as a goal to use this technology to reach the industry’s sustainability targets and provide a more efficient form of transportation.
Sustainability Challenges in Traditional Aviation
Understanding the aviation industry’s carbon footprint is crucial to highlighting the importance of future flight technologies as a means of a more sustainable way to travel. One of the key challenges faced by traditional aviation is its contribution to carbon dioxide emissions — whilst the industry is only responsible for 2-3% of global CO2 emissions, it is vital to reduce this number to reach Net Zero and change people’s perception. Read more about aviation’s impact in our Myth-busting Preconceptions blog here. The industry must collaborate in our efforts to reduce its carbon footprint by investing in new technologies, transitioning to alternative fuels, and adopting sustainable practices.
Investing in new fleets is an effective way to reduce fuel emissions. If airlines use modern aircraft with advanced technologies, it is possible to reduce fuel consumption by 15-20%. Alternatively, innovative solutions like eVTOLs can further reduce emissions, noting that a helicopter burns through 20 gallons of fuel an hour compared to an eVTOL which produces zero emissions (Archer Aviation, 2021).
Are eVTOLs the Answer?
This technology offers numerous benefits, with one of the most significant being their lower impact on the environment. Powered by electric propulsion, they produce zero emissions during flight, which can play a crucial role in reducing the sector’s carbon footprint. Additionally, eVTOLs are almost 1,000 times quieter than of a helicopter, making eVTOLs a great option to reduce noise pollution in urban areas (Archer Aviation, 2021). Furthermore, another advantage of eVTOLs is their versatility. They are designed to be able to take off and land in a variety of locations, including rooftops and small landing pads. This could help alleviate traffic congestion and reduce the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by cars and trucks on the ground.
Collaboration is Key
Collaboration is key to achieving a more sustainable future for aviation and is crucial to creating a supportive regulatory framework that enables the safe and efficient operation of future flight technologies. Working closely with government regulators and industry players to outline certification standards and procedures can ensure that these technologies are hitting the market and that the aviation industry is well-positioned to take advantage of the advances in sustainability, efficiency and safety which eVTOLs provide.
A great example of this was at the Global Urban & Advanced Air Summit Asia, which took place in Singapore, on 27-28 September 2023. The event enabled a forum for discussion, attracting an elite international gathering of innovators, regulators, government and investors.
What’s Next?
Join us for the Sustainable Skies World Summit on the 15-16 May 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.
