(Blog last updated: 1 November 2023)
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.
