The pursuit of Net Zero, the goal to make air travel more sustainable and the aviation industry greener, is filled with complex barriers to overcome. However, with the right approach and strict discipline, it is certainly within our reach.
Sustainable Skies World Summit (SSWS) will investigate these barriers at our iconic venue, located right at the heart of the birthplace of British aviation.
According to ONS, “Net zero means that the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions would be equal to or less than the emissions the UK removed from the environment. This can be achieved by a combination of emission reduction and emission removal.” In other words, it’s a process of creating a balance in the atmosphere by removing at least the same amount of carbon that is being emitted into it.
It certainly is a herculean task, but we can start tackling it by reducing emission outputs in the first place, using sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and renewable energy sources, by offsetting any remaining emissions, and most importantly for this blog; increasing operation efficiency.
Continuous Improvement
One of the main focuses of SSWS will be operation efficiency – the adoption of a continuous improvement process, a state of mind where small incremental changes add up to formidable positive change.
To achieve operational efficiency, it is vital to bring scrutiny to different aspects of aviation operations, both on the ground and in the air. In-flight considerations would include looking at the most efficient flight paths and descent patterns, the use of SAF, as well as the use of lightweight equipment.
Operation efficiency must also be maintained on the ground between flights by continuously optimising aircraft maintenance and ground handling operations, developing logistics and supporting machinery, and development, sharing and enforcement of techniques that lead to more effective processes.
Importance of Collaboration
Collaboration is one of the most essential factors in the pursuit of Net Zero. The Sustainable Skies World Summit will once again bring the aviation industry together, including airlines, OEMs, regulators, and fuel and technology providers to align our sustainability efforts towards the common goal.
The event will also present a showcase of how different technologies are enabling the reduction of carbon emissions and improving operational efficiency today, bringing Net Zero closer to reality.
The third edition of the Sustainable Skies World Summit (SSWS), organised and hosted by Farnborough International will take place on 15-16 May 2024. This event is a pivotal moment for the aviation industry as it converges ahead of Farnborough International Airshow 2024 to advance the sector towards a more sustainable and innovative future.
SSWS24 will continue to centre around 5 key themes driving the industry towards Net Zero:
SAF
Carbon Removal
Zero Emissions
Operation Efficiency
Future of Flight
So, let’s take a closer look at each of the 5 key themes:
SAF
Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) are highly regarded as one of the key strategies in helping the aviation industry achieve a reduction in emissions. Compared with conventional fossil fuels, SAF reduces CO2 emissions across its life cycle.
The cost and availability of SAF often comes down to government support and the supply chain, with many in the industry calling for more government-led incentives to advance the market.
The adoption of SAF extends beyond the technological advancements, requiring a robust supply chain, encouragement in research, development and investment in the production of sustainable fuel types.
SSWS24 will provide a platform to discuss these complex challenges, from policy and regulatory changes to industry collaboration, as the aviation industry aims to integrate SAF on a much broader scale.
Carbon Removal
As the industry strives to find long-term solutions to alternative fuels, direct carbon capture and removal could also help companies meet NetZero targets. This technology is still very much in early development but research suggests that it could prove to have a significant impact on climate change.
The path to effective carbon removal technologies involves not only innovation but extensive collaboration among regulatory bodies, wider industries and research institutions, which will be accelerated through SSWS24’s conference agenda, technology showcase features and The Business Connections Exchange programme.
Zero Emissions
Zero emission flight is closer to a reality that you may think. Whilst SAF might offer an immediate solution to cutting CO2 emissions, the industry is working incredibly hard to develop and test hydrogen, electric, solar and hybrid solutions that can offer zero emission flights.
Achieving zero emission flight involves addressing complex challenges, from infrastructure improvements and energy storage to the development of entirely new aircraft solutions. SSWS24 will become a stage for experts to share the latest developments and present new innovative approaches that will play a vital role in advancing the future of sustainable air travel.
Operation Efficiency
Whilst discussion is often dominated by the role of aircraft themselves, there is a significant role to play from associated infrastructure including airports and flight paths.
With flight schedules being back to pre-COVID figures, operational efficiency will have a key impact on the environment and the industry’s goal to reach NetZero by 2050. This theme encompasses optimising airport operations, air traffic management, operational practices and ultimately, minimising the aviation industry’s environmental footprint.
Future of Flight
Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is a key element of the future of flight and fundamentally part of the decarbonisation of the aviation sector. Development of these new vehicles is accelerating rapidly with many test flights in their early stages.
The introduction of AAM vehicles not only contributes to sustainability but also marks a transformation in how we envision air travel, potentially revolutionising urban air mobility. These new forms of air travel offer shorter commute times, reduced noise pollution levels, reduced traffic congestion and lower environmental impacts.
The realisation of AAM’s full potential is a mammoth task, requiring industry-wide collaboration that overcomes regulatory, infrastructure and technological challenges.
SSWS24: Thought-Leadership
These themes will be explored further at SSWS24, not only signifying the specialisms of the different companies exhibiting but also providing structure to the innovative 2-day conference programme.
A mixture of keynotes, fireside chats and panel sessions will examine the various nuances and issues surrounding sustainability and the aerospace sector. This includes highlighting the progress already made towards NetZero, the milestones we still need to achieve on the path to 2050, and how we can inspire the next generation to get involved in the sector.
The conversation and insights gained at SSWS24 will be the foundation for the continuation of discussions at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024, where these themes will evolve and drive further sustainable advancements in the aviation industry. This seamless transition between events will ensure that the industry’s sustainability journey remains at the forefront of sector advancements.
The aviation industry has a significant impact on the global economy by connecting businesses and individuals in a way that was previously thought impossible. In the UK alone, the sector supports 230,000 jobs, contributing £20b per annum to the economy.
Air transport reduces the time associated with traditional forms of transportation by allowing for the rapid movement of goods and services, leading to increased trade and investment, and creating opportunities for businesses and individuals all over the world.
In addition to its economic impact, the aviation sector also plays a vital role in social and cultural development by making it possible for people to experience different cultures from all over the globe, encouraging cooperation between nations. The aviation sector is inherently linked to tourism, which is a major source of revenue for many countries, the impact of which was especially highlighted during the pandemic.
Overall, the aviation sector is a key component of the global economy and has an extensive impact on social and cultural development.
The aviation sector is often thought of as the culprit when it comes to producing emissions, especially now that passenger numbers are returning to pre-Covid levels. In reality, the global aviation industry is responsible for just 12% of CO2 emissions from all transport sources, compared to 74% from road transport. (ATAG, 2020).
Pioneering technological advancements have made it possible to make jet aircraft well over 80% more fuel efficient per seat kilometre, compared to jets in the 1960s.
The aviation sector is surrounded by many outdated beliefs and it has come a long way in a very short period of time. Now, it is well and truly underway towards reaching its Net Zero goals by 2050.
Sustainable Skies World Summit 2023 will focus on myth-busting these and many other preconceptions, focusing on topics of SAF, carbon renewal, zero emissions, operation efficiency and the future of flight whilst exploring the proof of how technology is the solution to the future of the industry and not “flight abstinence”.
Registration for Sustainable Skies World Summit, organised by Farnborough International in partnership with the Sustainable Aviation Coalition, is now open.
Taking place 17-18 April 2023, the Sustainable Skies World Summit 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.
The conference and exhibition will showcase the latest developments in sustainable aviation technology and provide a forum to discuss how industry can move in earnest from goal setting to implementation of its net zero strategies. The event will also highlight opportunities for the next generation of engineers and young people who will make jet zero a reality and address the future workforce challenge.
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.
Organisations showcasing their technology at the show will include WheelTug, Saudi Airlines and Cranfield Aerospace Solutions, alongside industry supporters like BAG, ADS Group and Sustainable Aviation Coalition.
Taking place 17-18 April 2023, the Sustainable Skies World Summit organised by Farnborough International, in partnership with the Sustainable Aviation Coalition, will showcase the latest developments in sustainable aviation technology and provide a forum to discuss how industry can move in earnest from goal setting to implementation of its net zero strategies. The event will also highlight opportunities for the next generation of engineers and young people who will make jet zero a reality and address the future workforce challenge.
This will be no ordinary conference as alongside the aviation and aerospace industry the event will welcome the wider aviation ecosystem including technology innovators, academia, investors and regulators to Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre for two days of demonstrations, high-level keynotes and organised meetings with industry and government, designed to stimulate collaboration, promote the role of the future workforce and demonstrate the technology that is beginning to deliver meaningful progress this decade.
The event will build on the work of the UK Jet Zero Council and its strategy framework launched at Farnborough International Airshow in July 2022, and which set out a vision for the delivery of net zero UK aviation emissions by 2050.
Commenting on the second instalment of the Sustainable Skies World Summit, Gareth Rogers, CEO of Farnborough International, said: “Over the last 12 months, we have worked incredibly hard to become a progressive catalyst for industry innovation and insight. Following the Aerospace Global Forum that took place at this year’s Farnborough International Airshow and the subsequent ICAO work, where global governments committed to net zero aviation, the Sustainable Skies World Summit will move discussions to a demonstration on how industry is making jet zero a reality today. We look forward to working with the Sustainable Aviation Coalition again and welcoming the leaders in the industry and the wider eco-system to Farnborough International to generate positive change.”
Matt Gorman, Chair of Sustainable Aviation, said: “We are thrilled to be supporting the Sustainable Skies World Summit once again, focussing on the ways in which the aviation industry is taking meaningful and exciting steps forward to address the sustainability challenge today, the challenges to be overcome and the exciting opportunities for tomorrow’s engineers, pilots and innovators to lead this transformation as the Jet Zero Generation”.
