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.
Net Zero is the phase everyone has become familiar with, but what does it actually mean and does this mean zero emissions?
Specific roadmaps and targets 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.
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’
(last updated 07/08/2025)
As the industry strives to find long-term solutions to alternative fuels, direct carbon removal or capture could help companies meet Net Zero targets.
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.
Carbon Removal Companies
There are now many companies working on carbon removal projects, with specialties arising around direct air capture, carbon capture, carbon storage, and mineralisation.
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 explore this topic in more detail at Sustainable Skies World Summit, a platform for fostering collaborative solutions that will make these technologies more effective and commercially viable.
Governments also play a crucial role in driving the industry’s progress towards a more sustainable future, and Sustainable Skies repeatedly features vital insights from policymakers that accelerate the successful integration of carbon removal technologies into the global supply chain.
(last updated 07/08/2025)
The rapid growth of future flight technology, in particular around eVTOLs, has created an exciting opportunity to revolutionise air travel. By enabling a cleaner and more efficient form of transportation, eVTOLs could play a key role in the decarbonisation of aviation and support the industry to reach Net Zero commitments.
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. Electric Vertical Take-off and Landing aircrafts have been gathering momentum in recent years and act as a catalyst for discovering alternative sustainable ways to fly.
eVTOLs and the Impact on 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 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, BETA Technologies and Vertical Aerospace, 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).
Sustainability Benefits of eVTOLs
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. The source of the electricity required to charge each eVTOL is what currently impacts their overall sustainability credential. If the electricity sourced come from sustainable sources such as solar or windfarms then the overall emissions impact is zero, but if the electricity used comes from burning traditional fossil fuels then the usage of eVTOLs only partially lowers emissions.
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.
eVTOLs: Current Challenges
eVTOL technology evolves at a rapid pace, with the front-runners in the sector all now successfully demonstrating test flights and passenger capabilities. They are overcoming earlier challenges centered upon battery weight and charging limitations, with advances in technology and greater collaboration across the sector. Indeed, collaboration is the key to the majority of the challenges facing the industry.
Currently, some of the biggest issues facing companies in this market stem from investment, which includes the building of suitable infrastructure at existing airports and helipads and separately all, new vertiports. Regulation also remains a consistent barrier to this innovative technology taking flight.
A supportive regulatory framework should enable the safe and efficient operation of future flight technologies and whilst essential has been slow to introduce. Government regulators and industry players have been working closely together to outline certification standards and procedures, ensuring that these technologies make it to market. The aviation industry is well-positioned to take advantage of the advances in sustainability, efficiency and safety which eVTOLs provide.
Sustainable Skies World Summit, organised by Farnborough International in collaboration with Sustainable Aviation, is returning to the aerospace industry’s calendar 15-16 May 2024.
Building on the resounding success of the last edition, 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.
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.
An opportunity to showcase sustainable activities and discuss implantable strategies, the opening of the 2023 event was marked with a flypast from RAF Voyager ‘Vespina’ powered by a SAF blend, after it conducted an air-to-air refuelling sortie supplying SAF blend to other RAF aircraft, and the Jet Zero Council convened at Farnborough International for its 8th meeting.
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.
“It’s not about flying less, it’s about flying differently.”
The opening of the Sustainable Skies World Summit was marked with a flypast from RAF Voyager ‘Vespina’ powered by a SAF blend after it conducted an air-to-air refuelling sortie supplying SAF blend to other RAF aircraft.
During the summit, the Jet Zero Council convened at Farnborough International for its 8th meeting, following its launch at the Farnborough International Airshow.
Sustainable Aviation launched its updated Net Zero Carbon Road-Map.
Zero emission flights are within grasp, but scale, collaboration and innovation are vital to achieving net zero goals, according to the global industry leaders at this year’s Sustainable Skies World Summit.
The summit, which took place 17-18 April 2023, gathered the aerospace industry alongside the wider aviation ecosystem, including government, technology innovators, academia, investors and regulators to stimulate collaboration, promote the role of the future workforce and demonstrate the technology that is beginning to deliver meaningful progress this decade.
Following the launch of the council at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2022 and maximising the attendance at the summit, the Jet Zero Council (JZC) convened for its 8th meeting and revealed the UK government’s two-year jet zero plan.
Government representatives, including Secretary of State for Transport, Mark Harper MP, and Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade, Nusrat Ghani MP, attended the summit, meeting with innovators from across the sector and discussing the legislation and collaboration required to keep the UK at the forefront of the aerospace industry.
To mark the opening of Sustainable Skies World Summit, an RAF Voyager, an Airbus A330-derived Military Passenger and Air-to-Air refuelling aircraft, powered by a SAF blend, provided in collaboration with International Airlines Group (IAG) and BP, conducted an air-to-air refuelling sortie supplying SAF blend to other RAF aircraft. The flight, which used a SAF blend of 43%, performed the pre-scheduled operational refuelling sortie over the North Sea, prior to flying over Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre, where the event was taking place.
Signifying the gravity of the support and collaboration needed, Sustainable Aviation coalition published its updated Net Zero Carbon road-map outlining how commercial aviation will become more sustainable and commercially viable.
Speaking of the impact of the summit across the industry, Gareth Rogers, CEO of Farnborough International, said: “The level of collaboration, insight sharing, and attendance at the event has demonstrated the demand from the global aerospace ecosystem for the concerted progression towards net zero and the need for Sustainable Skies World Summit to be the catalyst for these conversations.
“Farnborough International is at the heart of the aerospace sector, leading the way in providing vital platforms for the industry to convene. We will continue with this critical dialogue at the Global Urban & Advance Air Summit (GUAAS), Singapore, hosted by Farnborough International, 27-28 September 2023.”
Jonathon Counsell, Group Head of Sustainability at International Airlines Group (IAG), added: “The second Sustainable Skies World Summit has completely surpassed all expectations. Attracting a wide range of inspiring speakers, sharing information and experience to help the industry on its journey towards net zero emissions by 2050, the summit has rapidly become a coveted industry event, during which many of the world’s industry leaders come together to support the delivery of truly sustainable flying.”
Wheeltug, ACOG, Alfanar, Rise Coalition, Reaction Engines, Rolls-Royce, ZeroAvia, GKN Aerospace, NeboAir, Zuri, Aerovolt, Carbon Engineering, Skyfly and Cranfield Aerospace Solutions showcased a range of their latest technology and innovation.
Highlighting the significant role of the event in bringing together key players from across the aviation ecosystem, Sustainable Skies World Summit received advocacy from industry supporters and sponsors, such as Airbus, Alfanar, ATI, Embraer, CFM, Catapault, ADS Group, Sustainable Aviation Coalition and Saudi Airlines.
Sustainable Skies World Summit will return to the aerospace calendar on 15-16 May 2024 at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre.
Farnborough, April 17: Today, at the Sustainable Skies World Summit at Farnborough, the UK aviation industry has announced higher ambition in its transition to net zero carbon emissions by 2050 with the publication of an updated Net Zero Carbon Roadmap, reflecting advances in sustainable aviation technology made here in the UK.
The Roadmap is published by Sustainable Aviation – the industry coalition of the UK’s leading airlines, airports, aerospace manufacturers, air service navigation providers, and innovation companies in sustainable aviation fuel and carbon removals – and is an update to previous plans published in 2020 and 2021. It highlights the vital role and potential for SAF and zero carbon emission technologies such as hydrogen powered aircraft and carbon removal technologies, together with the immediate advances being made in modernising airspace to help UK aviation reach Net Zero by 2050.
The aviation industry is calling on the Government to work with it by:
Maximising short-term operational efficiencies by accelerating the UK airspace modernisation programme with completion by the end of the decade. This includes reviewing the governance and processes for the programme, looking at how these can be streamlined in order to speed up delivery, and considering whether a different funding model could bring the delivery date forward.
Delivering commercial UK Sustainable Aviation Fuel production at scale this decade, meeting the Government’s commitment to seeing five UK SAF plants under construction by 2025, by providing an industry-funded price stability mechanism alongside a SAF mandate, whilst prioritising access to UK sustainable feedstocks.
Investing in zero carbon emission flight technology by uplifting matched funding levels to the Aerospace Technology Institute programme through to 2031 – to drive efficiency improvements and the development of zero carbon emission technologies, alongside investing in UK hydrogen supply.
Addressing residual aviation carbon emissions by accelerating the rollout of carbon removals, including them in the UK ETS scheme and ensuring aviation’s fair share.
RAF Voyager aircraft powered by 43% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) flies over North Sea.
The aircraft used a blend of traditional fossil fuels and SAF such as cooking oil.
Flight marks the launch of a new aviation Net Zero Carbon roadmap for commercial aviation.
The Royal Air Force has successfully completed a Voyager air-to-air refuelling flight, powered by an approximately 43% blend of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
Flying from RAF Brize Norton, over the North Sea and via Farnborough on its return home, the Voyager aircraft also undertook air-to-air refuelling with Typhoons, as part of planned training.
Made from waste-based sustainable feedstocks, such as used cooking oil, SAF reduces lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel and will be key to reducing the RAF’s reliance on global supply chains and fossil fuels, while improving operational resilience.
This significant moment follows a series of recent milestones achieved by the RAF towards a sustainable aviation future, including the world first RAF Voyager flight fuelled by 100% SAF.
RAF Images: Credit: Crown copyright
Defence Minister, Baroness Goldie said:
“Greater use of alternative and sustainable fuel can only lead to positive outcomes for Defence, the United Kingdom, and our collective endeavour against climate change.
“This is not an easy undertaking by the RAF, but time and again we see that by working collaboratively with our partners across industry we can achieve crucial transformation.”
Part of a two-day industry led conference – Sustainable Skies World Summit – the flight marks the UK aviation industry publishing its updated aviation Net Zero Carbon roadmap outlining how commercial aviation will become more sustainable and commercially viable.
The annual event, hosted at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, brings together various partners from industry to showcase the latest developments in sustainable aviation technology and support efforts moving towards the implementation phase of meeting its net zero commitment.
Supporting the RAF’s ambitions to be Net Zero by 2040, the Voyager flight was part of an existing task from the Chief of the Air Staff to gather the required data to inform the longer-term transition away from fossil fuels.
The RAF has identified that using SAF and alternative aviation fuels will be critical for the future operational capability of the RAF and wider military aviation.
The UK’s SAF programme is already one of the most comprehensive in the world and supports our vision to set the UK up to be a global leader in the development, production, and use of SAF.
Supporting the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy, new aviation technologies and fuels provide huge opportunities for economic growth, delivering jobs and prosperity across the country.
RAF Images: Credit: Crown copyright
Chief of Staff Support and Chief Engineer, Air Vice-Marshal, Paul Lloyd said:
“The continued success of sustainable aviation fuel is reassuring to see. If we are to achieve our net zero goal by 2040 then exploiting these technologies is going to be an enormous but worthwhile endeavour.
“Despite the challenge, the benefits of reducing our reliance on traditional supply chains and fossil fuels outweigh it.
“The RAF is proud to be leading in this area and I welcome the announcement introduction of commercial uses of SAF.”
Providing increased reliability and range, the Voyager aircraft gives the RAF an enhanced capability in support of troop mobility, the movement of military assets, and supports UK air defence.
With a payload of 43 tonnes of freight and 291 seat passenger capacity, plus an aeromedical evacuation capability, Voyager also delivers flexibility in air mobility to the UK Armed forces in support of military and humanitarian operations.
During the two days of the Sustainable Skies World Summit, the Jet Zero Council (JZC) – a partnership between industry and government with the aim of delivering at least 10% SAF in the UK fuel mix by 2030 and zero emission transatlantic flight within a generation – will also meet. The Jet Zero Council is driving the ambitious delivery of new technologies and innovative ways to cut aviation emissions.
Sustainable Skies World Summit returns on 17-18 April 2023 at Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre.
Event times are as follows:
Monday 17 April: 10:30-17:30 (Drinks Reception will take place 17:45-19:15)
Tuesday 19 April: 09:00-16:00
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:
Monday 17th April: 08:00-19:30
Tuesday 18th April: 08:00-17:00
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 page to discover all the companies involved and where to find them.
Cloakroom
There will be a cloakroom available for visitors, located just inside the main hall. This will be open during the following times:
Monday 17th April: 10:00-19:00
Tuesday 18th April: 09:00-16:00
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 SSWS23 Drinks Reception will take place at 17:45 on Monday 17 April, finishing at 19;15.
Social Media
Follow our Sustainable Skies World Summit channels on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram and join the conversation using our event hashtags: #SSWS #SSWS23 #SustainableSkies.
Leaders from pioneering aerospace and aviation organisations, including Airbus, EasyJet, Rolls-Royce, IATA, FAA, International Airlines Group, ZeroAvia and GKN Aerospace, are included in the Sustainable Skies World Summit speaker programme.
The programme and showcase have 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, operational efficiency and future of flight.
Speakers at the summit include:
William Walsh, Director General, International Air Transport Association
Jimmy Samartzis, CEO, LanzaJet
Luis Gallego, CEO, International Airlines Group
Air Vice-Marshal Paul H Lloyd
Val Miftakhov, Founder & CEO, ZeroAvia
Dr Mark Bentall, Head of R&T, Airbus
David Morgan, Chief Operating Officer, easyJet
Kerissa Khan, President Elect 2022-23, Royal Aeronautical Society
Jonathon Counsell, Group Head of Sustainability, International Airlines Group
Dr Marc Stettler, Reader in Transport and the Environment, Imperial College London
Matt Finch, UK Policy Manager, Transport & Environment (T&E)
Paul Hutton, CEO, Cranfield Aerospace Solutions
Adam Durant, CEO, Satavia
Amy Ruddock, VP Europe and Middle East, Carbon Engineering
Lirio Liu, Executive Director of Aircraft Certification, FAA
Marie Owens Thomsen, SVP Sustainability and Chief Economist, IATA
Rodrigo Silva e Souza, VP Marketing, Embraer
Tom Grundy, Chief Executive Officer, Hybrid Air Vehicles
Organisations showcasing their technology at the show will include Wheeltug, ACOG, Alfanar, Rise Coalition, Reaction Engines, Rolls-Royce, ZeroAvia, GKN Aerospace, NeboAir, Zuri, Aerovolt, Carbon Engineering, Skyfly and Cranfield Aerospace Solutions, alongside industry supporters and sponsors, such as BAG, ADS Group, Sustainable Aviation Coalition and Saudi Airlines.
Commenting on the importance of the event, Sustainable Skies World Summit supporter Kevin Craven, CEO, ADS Group, said: “Following a successful Farnborough International Airshow and Aerospace Global Forum in July 2022, it is critical that momentum in progressing important conversations around sustainability in aerospace and aviation is not lost.
“Sustainable Skies World Summit will unite global leaders, identify opportunities for UK businesses in areas such as sustainability and advanced air mobility, and continue industry’s important collaboration with Government.
“As the sector continues its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and trajectory to net zero by 2050, Sustainable Skies World Summit is the perfect opportunity to reinforce our industry’s ambition and showcase leading innovation in newer, greener, and fuel-efficient technologies. ADS is proud to be a partner.”
Taking place 17 and 18 April at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, Sustainable Skies World Summit is free to attend.
