(Blog last updated: 12 August 2025)
Sustainable Skies World Summit (SSWS), organised and hosted by Farnborough International, is an annual event for the aviation and wider sustainability industry to come together and accelerate progress towards Net Zero.
Since 2023, the event has centred around sustainability themes driving the industry towards Net Zero. So, let’s take a closer look at each of the 5 key themes:
SUSTAINABILITY THEMES
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
Sustainable Aviation Fuels 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.
SSWS 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 Net Zero 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 SSWS’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. SSWS 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 Net Zero 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.
Sustainability Themes at Sustainable Skies World Summit
For the past 5 years, visitors to Sustainable Skies have been able to join a mixture of keynotes, fireside chats, panel sessions and workshops that examine the various nuances and issues surrounding the discussed sustainability themes. This includes highlighting the progress already made towards Net Zero, 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 SSWS often serve as the foundation for the continuation of discussions at other crucial events and industry gatherings such as Farnborough International Airshow, where these sustainability themes will evolve and drive further sustainable advancements in the aviation industry. This seamless transition between events ensure that the industry’s sustainability journey remains at the forefront of sector advancements.
