SSWS24 – Reaching Net Zero Through Operation Efficiency

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. However, with the right approach and strict discipline, it is certainly within our reach.

Sustainable Skies World Summit (SSWS) will investigate these barriers at our iconic venue, located right at the heart of the birthplace of British aviation.

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.

Continuous Improvement

One of the main focuses of SSWS will be operation efficiency – the adoption of a continuous improvement process, a state of mind where small incremental changes add up to formidable positive change.

To achieve operational efficiency, it is vital to bring scrutiny to different aspects of aviation operations, both on the ground and in the air. In-flight considerations would include looking at the most efficient flight paths and descent patterns, the use of SAF, as well as the use of lightweight equipment.

Operation efficiency must also be maintained on the ground between flights by continuously optimising aircraft maintenance and ground handling operations, developing logistics and supporting machinery, and development, sharing and enforcement of techniques that lead to more effective processes.

Importance of Collaboration

Collaboration is one of the most essential factors in the pursuit of Net Zero. The Sustainable Skies World Summit will once again bring the aviation industry together, including airlines, OEMs, regulators, and fuel and technology providers to align our sustainability efforts towards the common goal.

The event will also present a showcase of how different technologies are enabling the reduction of carbon emissions and improving operational efficiency today, bringing Net Zero closer to reality.

Learn more about the key themes of this year’s Sustainable Skies World Summit