Operation Efficiency and the Road to Net Zero
The pursuit of Net Zero, the goal to make air travel more sustainable and the aviation industry greener, is filled with complex barriers to overcome. Operation Efficiency will play a crucial role in aiding the industry to reach the 2050 targets and beyond.
According to ONS, “Net zero means that the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions would be equal to or less than the emissions the UK removed from the environment. This can be achieved by a combination of emission reduction and emission removal.” In other words, it’s a process of creating a balance in the atmosphere by removing at least the same amount of carbon that is being emitted into it.
It certainly is a herculean task, but we can start tackling it by reducing emission outputs in the first place, using sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and renewable energy sources, by offsetting any remaining emissions, and most importantly for this blog; increasing operation efficiency.
Flight Operations
To achieve operation efficiency, it is vital to bring scrutiny to different aspects of aviation operations, both on the ground and in the air.
In-flight considerations include looking at the most efficient flight paths and descent patterns. Airlines and air traffic controllers are starting to implement better real-time data and intelligent AI predictive systems in order to better organise busy airspaces.
Operation efficiency must also be improved on the ground by continuously optimising aircraft maintenance and ground handling operations. This includes the electrification of ground handling vehicles and improved taxiing efficiency.
Aircraft Technology
Modernising existing airline fleets so they are using the latest, more sustainable technology and retiring older aircraft is by far one the most effective ways of improving aircraft efficiency. However, this a significant cost to airlines and something that the whole supply chain is in-fact not ready for.
Another, perhaps more realistic endeavour, is the retrofitting of older aircraft. Some aircraft can be modified to enhance their operational efficiency such as adding winglets, swapping out to more lightweight equipment and changing cabin designs. In fact, using recycled materials in the cabin interior and on-board collateral can reduce waste and lower the overall environmental impact.
Importance of Collaboration
Collaboration is one of the most essential factors in the pursuit of Net Zero. Industry needs to work together across the whole supply chain to improve the development and implementation of more sustainable technology, infrastructure and measures. Meanwhile, Government and regulatory bodies need to continue working together to produce policies that encourage sustainability
(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.
Read more.
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.
Read more.
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.
Read more.
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.
Read more.
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.
The aviation industry has a significant impact on the global economy by connecting businesses and individuals in a way that was previously thought impossible. In the UK alone, the sector supports 230,000 jobs, contributing £20b per annum to the economy.
Air transport reduces the time associated with traditional forms of transportation by allowing for the rapid movement of goods and services, leading to increased trade and investment, and creating opportunities for businesses and individuals all over the world.
In addition to its economic impact, the aviation sector also plays a vital role in social and cultural development by making it possible for people to experience different cultures from all over the globe, encouraging cooperation between nations. The aviation sector is inherently linked to tourism, which is a major source of revenue for many countries, the impact of which was especially highlighted during the pandemic.
Overall, the aviation sector is a key component of the global economy and has an extensive impact on social and cultural development.
The aviation sector is often thought of as the culprit when it comes to producing emissions, especially now that passenger numbers are returning to pre-Covid levels. In reality, the global aviation industry is responsible for just 12% of CO2 emissions from all transport sources, compared to 74% from road transport. (ATAG, 2020).
Pioneering technological advancements have made it possible to make jet aircraft well over 80% more fuel efficient per seat kilometre, compared to jets in the 1960s.
The aviation sector is surrounded by many outdated beliefs and it has come a long way in a very short period of time. Now, it is well and truly underway towards reaching its Net Zero goals by 2050.
Sustainable Skies World Summit 2023 will focus on myth-busting these and many other preconceptions, focusing on topics of SAF, carbon renewal, zero emissions, operation efficiency and the future of flight whilst exploring the proof of how technology is the solution to the future of the industry and not “flight abstinence”.
Book your pass now to become part of this pioneering event
Registration for Sustainable Skies World Summit, organised by Farnborough International in partnership with the Sustainable Aviation Coalition, is now open.
Taking place 17-18 April 2023, the Sustainable Skies World Summit 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.
The conference and exhibition will showcase the latest developments in sustainable aviation technology and provide a forum to discuss how industry can move in earnest from goal setting to implementation of its net zero strategies. The event will also highlight opportunities for the next generation of engineers and young people who will make jet zero a reality and address the future workforce challenge.
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.
Organisations showcasing their technology at the show will include WheelTug, Saudi Airlines and Cranfield Aerospace Solutions, alongside industry supporters like BAG, ADS Group and Sustainable Aviation Coalition.
Sustainable Skies World Summit is free to attend. Details of how to attend and showcase your technology are available here: https://events.farnboroughinternational.org/aerospace/sustainable-skies-world-summit-2023/
Taking place 17-18 April 2023, the Sustainable Skies World Summit organised by Farnborough International, in partnership with the Sustainable Aviation Coalition, will showcase the latest developments in sustainable aviation technology and provide a forum to discuss how industry can move in earnest from goal setting to implementation of its net zero strategies. The event will also highlight opportunities for the next generation of engineers and young people who will make jet zero a reality and address the future workforce challenge.
This will be no ordinary conference as alongside the aviation and aerospace industry the event will welcome the wider aviation ecosystem including technology innovators, academia, investors and regulators to Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre for two days of demonstrations, high-level keynotes and organised meetings with industry and government, designed to stimulate collaboration, promote the role of the future workforce and demonstrate the technology that is beginning to deliver meaningful progress this decade.
The event will build on the work of the UK Jet Zero Council and its strategy framework launched at Farnborough International Airshow in July 2022, and which set out a vision for the delivery of net zero UK aviation emissions by 2050.
Commenting on the second instalment of the Sustainable Skies World Summit, Gareth Rogers, CEO of Farnborough International, said: “Over the last 12 months, we have worked incredibly hard to become a progressive catalyst for industry innovation and insight. Following the Aerospace Global Forum that took place at this year’s Farnborough International Airshow and the subsequent ICAO work, where global governments committed to net zero aviation, the Sustainable Skies World Summit will move discussions to a demonstration on how industry is making jet zero a reality today. We look forward to working with the Sustainable Aviation Coalition again and welcoming the leaders in the industry and the wider eco-system to Farnborough International to generate positive change.”
Matt Gorman, Chair of Sustainable Aviation, said: “We are thrilled to be supporting the Sustainable Skies World Summit once again, focussing on the ways in which the aviation industry is taking meaningful and exciting steps forward to address the sustainability challenge today, the challenges to be overcome and the exciting opportunities for tomorrow’s engineers, pilots and innovators to lead this transformation as the Jet Zero Generation”.
Details of how to attend and exhibit at the Sustainable Skies World Summit are available here: https://events.farnboroughinternational.org/aerospace/sustainable-skies-world-summit-2023/
