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In partnership with Aerospace Global News, the Official News Partner for SSWS26, check out the latest sustainability news from the world of aerospace. From sustainable airports to hydrogen innovations, here are the top stories from August 2025.

 

Runways to sustainability: How airports are paving the way to a greener future

From living indoor walls and recycled cigarette butts to solar farms and electric ground power units, airports are embracing sustainable solutions in the race to net zero.

Photo: Edinburgh Airport

Find out more about how airports in Edinburgh, the Gold Coast, Portland, Cagliari and Bengaluru are leading the way in their innovative designs and initiatives.

Read more

 

ZeroAvia bets on high-temperature fuel cells to scale hydrogen flights to Airbus A320 by 2035

Speaking to Aerospace Global News, ZeroAvia CEO Val Miftakhov says the multi-megawatt ZA2000 could power narrowbody aircraft by the mid-2030s, with large turboprops targeted as early as 2029.

ZeroAvia hydrogen plane ATR 77

Photo: ZeroAvia

Read more about how ZeroAvia are planning to scale their hydrogen-electric propulsion for larger aircraft.

 

Global SAF push gathers pace with new projects in India, Argentina and Indonesia

New projects give hope that SAF production is scaling up all over the world, but progress is overshadowed by slow starts for dozens of initiatives.

SAF World Energy

Photo: World Energy

Catch up on progress from across the world with the latest news from SAF producing hubs in India, Argentina and Indonesia.

Read more

 

Fuel savings and smoother flights: Wizz Air rolls out cockpit technology to tackle turbulence and CO2

The Hungarian-headquartered low-cost carrier says the upgrades will give its 2,700 pilots real-time, artificial intelligence-powered tools for optimising flight performance and managing weather conditions, including avoiding turbulence.

Wizz Air Airbus

Photo: Avtech

Find out about the platforms and software Wizz Air are equipping, including AI-powered tools.

Read more

 

NATS Aviation Index 2025: Air passengers care more about flying than the climate

The NATS Aviation Index 2025, shows public concern over the environmental impact of aviation has declined, while interest in ensuring on-time performance has risen.

British Airways BA NATS

Photo: Public Domain Pictures

For the first time, UK air passengers say they care more about punctual flights than cutting emissions.

Read more about public expectations and concerns.

 

Sustainability News and Event Themes

These key news stories from last month cover several of the key themes of Sustainable Skies World Summit, including Operational Efficiency, Future Flight, and Sustainable Aviation Fuels.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is only one of the many solutions that can be put in place to support the aviation industry’s journey to Net Zero, but the decarbonisation of the entire ecosystem is the only way to move forward with impact, international industry professionals have agreed at Sustainable Skies World Summit 2025.

The latest Sustainable Skies World Summit took place 14-15 May 2025 at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre. Catch up on the headlines including reactions from industry and key takeaways from the event below:

The summit, featured over 120 speakers on the agenda, a 110% Y-O-Y increase, and welcomed over 1,300 attendees across the international industry, to discuss strategic insights, practical solutions, and the high-level collaboration needed to shape a net-zero future.

Across the two-day event, speakers discussed the ‘significant choices’ the industry must ensure they invest in the right solutions, but the continued lack of wider infrastructure and the geopolitical uncertainty is slowing down the process of decision making.

Organised by Farnborough International, the event hosted a Jet Zero Council working group meeting, attended by the Minister for Industry Sarah Jones MP, to discuss the efforts to deliver net zero and zero emission aviation through UK production of zero-emission flights and SAF.

New for 2025, the show developed a Careers Fair, designed to support students prepare for their future careers and provide an opportunity for the aerospace industry to directly engage with students that are interested in a career within the sector. In addition, following industry feedback, interactive workshops were held to focus on tackling aviation’s most pressing challenges and exploring opportunities to shape a more sustainable future in a collaborative, hands-on format.

Sponsor of the event and speaker Cesar Pereira, Head of Sustainability for Commercial Aviation at Embraer, said:

“There is no one silver bullet to solve the decarbonisation of the industry by 2050. We need to advance on all fronts – from policies, regulations, and financing to technology and aircraft design. As an OEM, we need to be involved in those discussions, and being at a place like the Sustainable Skies World Summit is a great opportunity for us to discuss with other industry players and stakeholders. We can get a lot of results from being present here, talking to people, and knowing what’s going on in the market.”

Discussing the success of the fourth instalment of the event, Gareth Rogers, CEO of Farnborough International:

“At Farnborough International, we are proud to have convened the international aviation ecosystem yet again at the Sustainable Skies World Summit. We have seen an 46% increase in attendance this year, highlighting the growing demand for a show that focuses on the entire ecosystem, from the future workforce to international c-suite-level. Decisions and progress need to be made need to be made in decarbonising the sector.”

Organised with the support of ADS Group, British Aviation Group and Sustainable Aviation Coalition as founding partners, the event was supported by the likes of Exolum, RAeS, Zaffra, Otto Aviation, 1point5, ICF, Alaska Airlines, ATI, Embraer, Air League and Willis Lease.

Sustainable Skies World Summit will return 17-18 March 2026

Following a demand from industry to take part in the summit within the first quarter of the year to utilise key learnings within annual strategy development, Sustainable Skies World Summit have shifted its dates earlier than in previous years and is advancing to mid‑March, so please update your calendars accordingly.

Mark your calendar:
Dates: 17–18 March 2026
Location: Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, UK

The 2026 will continue to explore the 5 key themes essential to the sustainable aviation industry: Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), Carbon Removal, Zero Emissions, Operational Efficiency, and Future of Flight.

Stay tuned for registration, agenda, and participation options later this year.

As the aviation industry navigates a pivotal decade in its journey to net-zero emissions, the Sustainable Skies World Summit 2025 stands out as a critical gathering point for global leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to attend. With regulatory pressure mounting, new technologies on the horizon, and collaboration more vital than ever, the summit offers a unique platform to align ambition with action.

Industry professionals across aerospace, sustainability, finance, and government are coming together at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, home of the Farnborough International Airshow, to explore practical pathways to decarbonisation.

Here’s what industry leaders have to say and why you should also attend!

 

Driving Innovation Through Collaboration

“The pace of innovation in and around aviation is incredible, and airlines have made significant progress on operational efficiency and advancing new technologies. But the technologies we need for our industry’s future are still being developed and matured… Forums like Sustainable Skies provide an opportunity to attend and deepen shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities, and to further galvanise action.”
— Diana Birkett Rakow, SVP, Public Affairs & Sustainability, Alaska Airlines

For leaders like Rakow, Sustainable Skies is more than a conference, it’s a space where the future of flight is being co-designed. As promising solutions like hydrogen, electric propulsion, and SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) gain traction, the summit helps bridge the gap between technical promise and industry-wide deployment.

A Platform for Sustainable Leadership

“As an industry, we have a responsibility to ensure that we balance growth with environmental and social responsibility. I look forward to connecting with industry leaders, innovators, and changemakers, working together to build a more sustainable future in aviation.”
— Nichola Bates, Managing Partner, Aerospace Xelerated & Head of Innovation, Boeing

The summit attracts visionaries committed to embedding sustainability into aviation’s DNA. It’s a chance to shape the next generation of solutions, not only by showcasing innovation but by forging lasting partnerships and driving cultural change within companies.

Building a Zero-Emission Future

“Sustainable Skies brings together the visionaries and decision-makers who are actively reshaping the future of aviation… This event is an important platform to attend, share ideas, align on policy, and drive the innovation our industry needs to meet its climate goals.”
— Simon Newitt, President & CCO, Heart Aerospace

Heart Aerospace is among a wave of next-gen manufacturers pushing for electrified regional flight. For them, the summit is where alignment happens, between startups, OEMs, regulators, and investors, on what it will take to make zero-emission aviation a reality.

Tackling Compliance and Carbon Markets

“With environmental compliance becoming increasingly complex and costly for aircraft operators, we at Vertis are committed to developing innovative products and services that help the industry meet its obligations and navigate the road to decarbonization.”
— Alexandra Härmatis, Senior Corporate Carbon Trader, Vertis Environmental Finance

As market-based measures and carbon trading gain importance, finance and carbon experts play a growing role. Sustainable Skies enables these professionals to collaborate with industry peers and help operators meet stringent environmental requirements.

Scaling Up Sustainable Aviation Fuel

“While demand signals like SAF mandates are important, stronger policy support is essential to help scale production and close the affordability gap. The conversations at Farnborough will be crucial in helping align industry and government action to make SAF a commercial reality.”
— Olan Ryan, VP SAF, UK & Ireland, IAG

With SAF at the centre of near-term decarbonisation efforts, the summit serves as a high-impact venue to unite suppliers, airlines, and governments around scalable, commercially viable SAF production and uptake.

Data-Driven Decision-Making

“We attend the Sustainable Skies World Summit to elevate the conversation around aviation climate impact. Our goal is to bring clarity to aviation’s global footprint and demonstrate how actionable data can lead to better decisions today.”
— Maxime Meijers, CEO & Co-founder, Estuaire

Transparency is critical to credibility. Organisations like Estuaire are leveraging data and digital tools to help the industry measure what matters and the summit helps spotlight these efforts.

Shaping the Ecosystem for Zero-Emission Flight

“The decarbonisation of aviation is a monumental challenge that will require long-term thinking, strong government policy, and cross-industry collaboration… This event is a valuable opportunity to hear diverse perspectives and to align on the actions needed to deliver a truly sustainable future for aviation.”
— Jenny Kavanagh, Director, Green Skies Consulting

“Events like this are critical to driving progress on renewable energy, new technologies, and global policy frameworks.”
— Cesar Pereira, Head of Sustainability, Commercial Aviation, Embraer

Kavanagh and Pereira echo the importance of collective vision and multi-stakeholder engagement. From infrastructure to policy, the summit is where progress is accelerated, not just through innovation, but through system-wide alignment.

Whether you’re driving innovation, navigating policy, or scaling solutions, the Sustainable Skies World Summit is where industry attend to transform the future of sustainable aviation. The voices converging at Farnborough share a common goal: to transform aviation from one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonise into one of the most inspiring examples of climate leadership.

Explore the 2025 Agenda

The Sustainable Skies World Summit 2025 has unveiled two pivotal panel sessions that will set the tone for this year’s gathering of global aviation leaders, policymakers, and sustainability innovators. As the industry faces a critical crossroads in its decarbonisation journey, these discussions will offer strategic insights, practical solutions, and the high-level collaboration needed to shape a net-zero future.

The Summit will kick off with its opening plenary ‘Political Shifts and the Future of Sustainable Aviation’ a timely and incisive session exploring how changes in political leadership, regulatory priorities, and geopolitical dynamics are reshaping the global aviation sustainability landscape. As the sector seeks to accelerate its transition to net zero, this session will examine:

Featuring influential voices from across the political and industry spectrum, the panel includes:

Later in the agenda, following its success in 2024, the summit’s C-Suite panel ‘Pioneering Solutions for a Net-Zero Future in Aviation’ will see top executives from across the aviation value chain showcasing the bold innovations and strategic partnerships they have put in place to drive real progress toward net zero. This solution-focused discussion will highlight:

Moderated by Nikhil Sachdeva, Principal at Roland Berger, this C-suite panel features:

These sessions will set the stage for all that follows, offering a strategic overview of the political forces defining aviation’s decarbonisation pathway, and attendees will gain firsthand insight into the disruptive innovations, infrastructure shifts, and business models that are propelling aviation’s sustainable future.

New for 2025, the summit will be offering interactive workshops to enable industry professionals to engage in shaping real-world solutions to accelerate Net Zero across the industry, from SAF, infrastructure and carbon accreditations for airports to non-CO2 emissions and take the next step in their strategies.

Some of the topics that will be covered in these workshops include:

  1. Unlocking SAF Access: Practical Strategies for Airlines
  2. Creating Actionable Policy for Sustainable Aviation Fuels: A Hands-On Workshop
  3. Improving Eligibility for Carbon Removals: Practical Approaches and Solutions
  4. Delivering a Sustainable Airport
  5. Building Resilience in Aerospace Supply Chains: Mitigating Risks for Sustainability
  6. Securing Finance: Strategies and Solutions
  7. Practical Solutions for Non-CO2 Emissions
  8. Aviation carbon market emissions trading vs CORSIA
  9. Hydrogen for Airlines and Airports

In addition, a Careers Fair will take place on the second day of the event, welcoming students, apprentices and graduates to the show from secondary and college/sixth form level, alongside a plenary in the agenda dedicated to Future Workforce.

With world-class speakers and agenda-setting discussions, Sustainable Skies World Summit 2025 offers a front-row seat to the future of aviation.

 

Sustainable Skies World Summit 2025: Event Highlights

The summit, featured over 120 speakers on the agenda, a 110% Y-O-Y increase, and welcomed over 1,300 attendees across the international industry, to discuss strategic insights, practical solutions, and the high-level collaboration needed to shape a net-zero future.

You can now catch up on the leading headlines from the event here.

View our 2025 Gallery here.

 

The next SSWS event will take place 17-18 March 2026.

As the aviation industry accelerates toward net-zero emissions, the Sustainable Skies World Summit 2025, taking place 14-15 May, is set to feature groundbreaking discussions on the most pressing challenges and innovations shaping the future of sustainable air travel.

This year’s agenda promises a high-profile programme of speakers and sessions that address crucial industry trends, such as airport and airline strategies, scaling SAF production and infrastructure, advancing hydrogen feasibility, integrating carbon removals and next-generation propulsion systems.

Speakers for the 2025 summit include:

With sustainability now a top priority for airlines, manufacturers, and airport operators, this year’s keynote panels will once again provide high-level discussions on how aviation executives are navigating an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape, evolving regulations, and shifting consumer expectations. This year, the agenda features an Airlines and Airports Fireside Chat, which will see key players in their sector discuss the state of their industry and the challenges they have, from sustainable policies to the implantation of new technologies. In addition, the C-Suite Panel, which generated international headlines in 2024, will see pioneers look at the solutions to those challenges, including maximising flight efficiency, adapting aircraft and technologies and how they are looking to invest in carbon removals in the future.

One of the most anticipated sessions, the “Sustainable Aviation Fuels: Pathways to Progress and Barriers to Breakthroughs” panel on day one will bring together key figures from airlines, fuel producers, and regulators to tackle the urgent need for large-scale SAF deployment. With governments setting ambitious emissions targets and airlines committing to cleaner fuel alternatives, the discussion will focus on reducing costs, increasing production capacity, and ensuring regulatory support for SAF.

The UK government will unveil its renewed sustainability strategy in the keynote “Jet Zero Reimagined: The UK’s Renewed Drive Toward Sustainable Aviation.” As the nation positions itself as a leader in green aviation, this session is expected to highlight policy updates, funding initiatives, and international collaborations aimed at slashing aviation emissions.

Aviation’s transition to net zero isn’t solely reliant on SAF and next-generation aircraft technologies will play a crucial role. The summit will feature expert insights into hydrogen propulsion, battery-electric planes, and hybrid-electric innovations. Industry leaders will discuss real-world applications, investment challenges, and timelines for these technologies to become commercially viable.

New for 2025, the summit will be offering interactive workshops to enable industry professionals to engage in shaping real-world solutions to accelerate Net Zero across the industry, from SAF infrastructure and carbon accreditations for airports to non-CO2 emissions and take the next step in their strategies. In addition, a Careers Fair will take place during the event, welcoming students, apprentices and graduates to the show on the afternoon of day two, alongside a plenary in the agenda dedicated to Future Workforce.

With sustainability at the heart of aviation’s future, the Sustainable Skies World Summit 2025 offers a platform for collaboration, innovation, and tangible action. Industry stakeholders, policymakers, and sustainability advocates are expected to gather for two days at the award-winning Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre in the UK for crucial discussions, setting the course for the next decade of aviation transformation.

The Sustainable Skies World Summit (SSWS), held annually at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, is the premier global event for driving progress in aviation sustainability. Organised by the same team behind the renowned Farnborough International Airshow, this award-winning event offers a dedicated platform for companies to showcase their innovations, network with industry leaders and position themselves as key players in aviation’s decarbonisation journey.

A HIGHLY FOCUSED EVENT FOR AVIATION SUSTAINABILITY

Unlike larger global summits, SSWS provides a more focused and targeted environment, ensuring every exhibitor and speaker gains visibility and personalised attention from event organisers and visitors. The size of the event enables businesses to engage directly with corporate decision-makers from across the aerospace, energy and logistics sectors, forging meaningful connections that drive real change.

Sustainable Skies World Summit builds on the convening power of Farnborough International, a name that for over 75 years has been synonymous with aerospace excellence. Through its portfolio of world-class aerospace events, Farnborough ensures the aviation industry remains connected and committed to achieving its sustainability goals.

WHO WILL YOU MEET?

Sustainable Skies World Summit convenes a diverse group of stakeholders critical to aviation’s ecosystem, including:

• Airlines and Airports
• Fuel suppliers, including SAF producers; energy providers
• Aerospace OEMs
• Cargo operators
• MRO providers
• Government representatives and Policy regulators
• Investors and VCs
• Leasing companies
• Worldwide media representatives
• Academia and more

LEAD THE NET ZERO MOVEMENT – EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITIES TO ELEVATE YOUR BRAND AT SSWS

SSWS offers a range of exclusive partner-only benefits, individually tailored to help your business stand out in the sustainability space:

    1. Thought-leadership: share your insights through a highly sought-after speaking slot in Keynote Theatre or Accelerator Hub, showcasing your expertise in front of the industry’s top decision-makers.
    2. Access to enhanced networking opportunities: participate in exclusive breakfast briefings and networking receptions, all of which are created to facilitate connections with senior leaders in highly focused settings. New for 2025, the summit introduced workshops and roundtables based on topics voted by stakeholders from previous events, ensuring deeper and more impactful conversations.
    3. Delegations programme: get exclusive partner-only access to our world-class delegations programme, including government representatives and primes, to influence key policies and secure valuable partnerships.
    4. Business Connections Exchange: gain priority access to our curated matchmaking programme, connecting global decision-makers to create long-lasting partnerships.
    5. Enhanced brand visibility: amplify your exposure through prominent branding opportunities before, during and after the summit takes place. Speak to our team at sustainableskies@farnborough.com to discuss how we can help you meet your objectives.

DECARBONISING AVIATION TOGETHER AT SUSTAINABLE SKIES WORLD SUMMIT

SSWS addresses the most pressing topics in sustainable aviation, offering an agenda driven by industry input. From the progress of SAF mandates to hydrogen adoption, from operational efficiency to tackling non-CO2 emissions, the summit covers critical areas that directly impact the global industry.

By participating in the event, you’re joining the global movement that shapes the future of sustainable aviation and accelerates the global progress towards reaching the industry’s Net Zero goals. Whether you’re looking to forge new partnerships, showcase your sustainability solutions, or influence the global though-processes, SSWS is the perfect platform to make an impact.

WHEN IS THE NEXT SUSTAINABLE SKIES WORLD SUMMIT?

The next Sustainable Skies World Summit will take place 17-18 March 2026 at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre.

Sustainable Skies offers an unparalleled opportunity for companies to become official partners of the event, with a range of exclusive benefits to elevate your brand’s visibility and connect you with the decision-makers shaping the future of aviation.

If you’d like to get involved, please take a look at our partnership opportunities or feel free to reach out to our dedicated event team.

 

Accelerating global progress towards Net Zero aviation

14-15 May 2025, Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre

Sustainable Skies World Summit, organised by Farnborough International in collaboration with Sustainable Aviation, is returning to the aerospace industry’s calendar on 14-15 May 2025.

Building on the resounding success of the 2024 edition, which saw Virgin Atlantic and British Airways CEO’s call for ‘radical collaboration’ between Government, aviation fuel providers and the wider industry to reach net zero by 2050, Sustainable Skies World Summit 2025 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.

This year the summit is introducing interactive workshops designed to delve deeper into the aviation industry’s biggest challenges and opportunities. These sessions will foster collaboration among like-minded professionals, providing a platform to exchange ideas, share best practices, and develop practical, actionable insights that participants can directly apply to their sustainability efforts.

The conference and Sustainable Solutions 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. In 2024, the showcase displayed the latest developments in sustainable aviation technology, services and intelligence from industry pioneers, including British Airways, GKN Aerospace, Rolls-Royce, ZeroAvia, WheelTug, Cranfield Aerospace Solutions, Nebo Air, Aerospace Technology Institute, and UK Civil Aviation Authority.

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.

To register for your free place, click here.

Virgin Atlantic and British Airways CEO’s call for ‘radical collaboration’ between Government, aviation fuel providers and the wider industry to reach net zero by 2050 Sustainable Skies World Summit 2024.

Sitting on a panel with Julie Kitcher, Chief Sustainability Office at Airbus and Brain Moran, Chief Sustainability Officer at Boeing, Virgin Atlantic’s Shai Weiss and British Airways’ Sean Doyle discussed the positive steps made between the organisations and the increased investment in sustainable technology to reduce carbon emissions. While progress is being made and the UK Government’s SAF mandate is welcome, the panel agreed that it’s not just the OEMs’ and airlines’ responsibility to drive change and more needs to be done by government and the wider sustainable aviation fuel infrastructure to promote collaboration and achieve the targets set.

Speaking of the panel discussion, Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic, said:

“It’s not often that you see two sets of competitors going toe to toe on stage, but today was unusual.

“We agreed that radical collaboration is required for our industry to reach Net Zero by 2050 with a focus on the near-term, including fleet modernisation, wide adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), as well as longer term technological innovation including Hydrogen and electrification.

“Last week, Virgin Atlantic published much anticipated finding from Flight100 as an open resource to show the industry that SAF is a safe, 100% drop-in replacement for fossil fuels. Decarbonisation is a big issue for all of us and we need to get it right, so there is not a choice for consumers between flying and being green; and the approximately 60% of the world who have not yet flown. Our position at Virgin Atlantic is clear – if enough SAF is made, we will fly it.”

Held 15-16 May at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, Sustainable Skies World Summit 2024 convened international aviation and aerospace market leaders, UK Government and global media to accelerate global standards and cultivate collaboration from all corners of the world. On day one Anthony Browne MP, Minister for Aviation, Decarbonisation and the Future of Transport at the Department for Transport met with exhibitors at the show and held an exclusive industry roundtable to highlight the progress his department is making, and the Jet Zero Council held a working group meeting to discuss the efforts to deliver net zero and zero emission aviation through UK production of zero-emission flights and SAF.

The following day Mark Harper MP, Secretary of State for Transport, joined the discussion on stage, sharing the government’s plans to power Britain to the forefront of sustainable aviation.

Gareth Rogers, CEO of Farnborough International, said:

“Sustainable Skies World Summit 2024 has cemented itself as a pivotal platform for industry, government, and regulators to put in place meaningful change to create a more sustainable future for aerospace and aviation. The meetings and discussions held over the last two days will propel strategy and collaboration forward, and we look forward to continuing the conversation with the global industry at Farnborough International Airshow in July.”

The technology showcase displayed the latest developments in sustainable aviation technology, services, and intelligence from industry pioneers, including British Airways, GKN Aerospace, Rolls-Royce, Embraer, WheelTug, Cranfield Aerospace Solutions, Nebo Air, Aerospace Technology Institute, Reaction Engines, and UK Civil Aviation Authority. During the event, Haffner Energy announced Paris-Vatry SAF, a new Sustainable Aviation Fuel production project designed to meet the exponential demand for the decarbonisation of air transport. The biofuel will be produced using Haffner Energy’s patented technological process, via the thermolysis of local biomass residues.

Featuring over 40 speakers, the event has seen a 24% increase year-on-year in registration and attended by thousands of aerospace and aviation professionals, Sustainable Skies World Summit will return 14-15 May 2025.

Dates & Timings

Sustainable Skies World Summit returns on 15-16 May 2024 at Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre.

Event times are as follows:

Wednesday 15 May: 09:00-17:30 (Drinks Reception will take place 17:30-19:00)

Thursday 16 May: 09:00-17:00

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: 

Wednesday 15 May: 07:00 – 19:00

Thursday 16 May: 07:00 -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.  

Find our more about getting to our venue: https://www.farnborough.com/visiting-us/venue-information/getting-here/

Parking

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.

Accessibility

Our venue is fully accessible for all visitors, please visit our venue website for full details.

Registration & Security

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 to discover all the companies involved and where to find them.

Cloakroom

There will be a cloakroom available for visitors, located in one of our meeting rooms. This will be open during the following times:

Wednesday 15 May: 09:00 – 17:30 

Thursday 16 May: 09:00 – 17:00

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 SSWS24 Drinks Reception will take place on Day 1 of SSWS24 (Wednesday 15 May) at 17:30 finishing at 19:00.

Social Media

Follow our Sustainable Skies World Summit channels on LinkedIn, X and Instagram and join the conversation using our event hashtags: #SSWS #SSWS24 #SustainableSkies.

Exhibiting Questions

If you had any outstanding queries regarding exhibiting at SSWS24, such as build-up and breakdown timings, please refer to the event regulations or contact the Operations Team at operations@farnborough.com

Terms & Conditions

Sustainable Skies 2024 Terms & Conditions

(last updated 07/08/2025)

In pursuit of Net Zero, the aerospace industry is on a mission to seek alternative solutions to help us reach the industry decarbonisation targets by 2050. With emerging avenues being explored, Sustainable Aviation Fuel is considered one of the most promising pathways to reduce carbon emissions.

 

1. What is SAF?

Sustainable Aviation Fuel is an alternative to fossil fuels, typically made from plant and animal materials. Compared to traditional jet fuel, sustainable fuels can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80%, depending on the source of material, method of production and the overall supply chain.

Other fuels being researched and tested include Lower Carbon Aviation Fuels (LCAF) and Zero Emission Fuels (ZEF)

Lower Carbon Aviation Fuels (LCAF)

Zero Emission Fuels (ZEF)

2. Is SAF the same as biofuel?

SAF is generally the preferred term in aviation as it encompasses the scope of materials used to produce it, including both biological and non-biological resources. Biofuels are not necessarily always produced sustainably, and therefore the term is avoided when discussing aviation-specific fuels. Biodiesel in particular is not suitable for use in aviation.

3. Who makes Sustainable Aviation Fuel?

Currently, some of the top producers include Neste, World Energy, Gevo, Alder Fuels and SkyNRG. In December 2022, the UK government announced funding for 5 UK-based projects, some focusing on converting household waste into sustainable fuel.

The UK government announced the forthcoming implementation of the SAF Mandate, which took effect on January 1, 2025. Under this mandate, aviation fuel suppliers will be obligated to incorporate progressively larger proportions of sustainable fuels into the UK’s jet fuel supply, beginning with 2% in 2025, increasing to 10% by 2030, and ultimately reaching 22% by 2040.

To support the mandate, the Government has also introduced a bill to enable ‘revenue certainty’ to support greater production in the UK and help airlines meet the mandate targets.

4. How does Sustainable Aviation Fuel reduce emissions?

Compared to conventional fuels, burning SAF fuel reduces the amount of CO2 emissions across its lifecycle as well as other impurities such as sulphur dioxide.

‘One of things that really confuses people is that when we consume SAF in the engines we still produce a form of CO2, but it’s obviously made from biogenic sources or from captured CO2’ … ‘So in terms of increasing net CO2 in the atmosphere, SAF doesn’t do that. It’s the timeline over which we are recycling that carbon which is important’

Leigh Hudson, Environmental Manager – Carbon Management, British Airways (SSWS22 Webinar)

5. Is Sustainable Aviation Fuel actually sustainable?

SAF provides a significant reduction of CO2 emissions, but it is a drop-in solution meaning most current aircraft can only use a 50% blend with normal jet fuel. 100% SAF flights have been tested but they require technological modifications to the aircraft first.

6. Who uses Sustainable Aviation Fuel?

As of April 2025, over 50 airlines worldwide have integrated Sustainable Aviation Fuel into their operations to help reduce carbon emissions and achieve sustainability goals. More than 450,000 flights have used blended fuels, with a significant concentration in the U.S. and Europe.

Virgin Atlantic operated the first commercial flight using 100% SAF from London Heathrow to New York JFK in November 2023. Read more.

Since this milestone however, the amount of SAF used by airlines remains a very small percentage. Currently, Air France and United Airlines are amongst some of the companies leading the way in terms of purchase and usage.

7. Is Sustainable Aviation Fuel more expensive?

Generally, SAF is far more expensive that traditional jet fuels. As of 2025, the cost of first and second generation fuels made from waste feedstocks and cooking oils typically cost buyers 2.5x that of standard fuel. The newer third generation fuels or synthetic fuels which are still in early development, can carry a price tag 10x that of normal jet fuel.

This is the main reason why many airlines and carriers have been reluctant to adopt it and oppose the mandates and sustainable targets put in place. The cost of production partnered with the low demand is what is keeping the overall cost so high, with many citing the need for government incentives and investment as the solution. Airlines are also mindful of rising costs to passengers, and the impact it would have on airfares should sustainable fuels remain so expensive.

 

‘SAFs are wonderful, they’re great, if you can get it. We wholeheartedly support any effort from government incentives and through the market to ramp up as fast as possible the production of these game changing sustainable aviation fuels.’

Sean Bradshaw, Technical Fellow – Sustainable Propulsion, Pratt & Whitney (SSWS22 Webinar)

“SAF is a key priority, as outlined by the Jet Zero Strategy. The Mandate should be implemented by 1 January 2025 once passed as legislation.”

Claire Swadkin, Deputy Director Low Carbon Fuels, UK Department for Transport (SSWS24)

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With developments constantly changing in regards to production, supply and usage, SAF remain one of the key themes at Sustainable Skies World Summit. This event is a crucial meeting of industry leaders to connect and collaborate on continuing this progress.