While SAF and hydrogen grab headlines, there’s a quieter revolution happening: operational improvements delivering measurable emissions reductions right now, with immediate ROI.
At SSWS 2026, we’re spotlighting the unglamorous work that’s already moving the needle:
The industry’s focus on more glamorous solutions (SAF! Hydrogen! Electric!) has overshadowed the fact that 10-15% emission reductions are achievable today through operational changes, and most of them save money rather than cost it.
What’s actually working:
- Airspace Efficiency Revolution
– Free Route Airspace is finally being implemented—cutting flight times and fuel burn
– Continuous climb and continuous descent approaches are becoming standard
– But bureaucracy, national airspace politics, and outdated technology are still blocking progress
- The Non-CO2 Problem
– Contrails may cause more warming than CO2 emissions from aviation
– But measuring them is complex, avoiding them costs fuel, and regulators haven’t decided how to treat them
– Breakthrough news: BA, Rolls-Royce, Imperial College, and BP are conducting flight trials on high-blend SAF to assess contrail reduction—results expected by March 2026
– Google’s work with American Airlines on AI-powered contrail avoidance is showing promise
- Fleet Optimisation Reality
- – Airlines are flying older, less efficient aircraft longer due to delivery delays
– But smart fleet management, engine washing, weight reduction, and route optimisation are collectively delivering meaningful savings
– The circular economy approach: extending aircraft life *sustainably* while waiting for next-gen fleets
- AI: Hype vs. Reality
– Everyone claims “AI-powered efficiency.”
– We’re asking: Show us the data. Where is AI actually delivering results vs. where is it just a buzzword?
– Real use cases in route optimisation, predictive maintenance, and fuel management
Why this matters:
These aren’t distant promises—these are gains available in 2026. While we wait for SAF to scale, hydrogen to mature, and new aircraft to certify, operational efficiency is delivering results today. And unlike most decarbonisation strategies, many of these initiatives have positive business cases from day one.
The CFO’s favourite climate strategy: the one that saves money while cutting emissions.
