20. The Air Pilots Green Aviation Event, October 25, 2021


One of the most unlikely candidates for carbon zero by 2050 is the aviation sector. But for several years, with government and industry funding, work has progressed to make this a possibility using the UK’s world class innovation and aerospace engineering. The Honourable Company of Air Pilots and the Worshipful Company of Scientific Instrument Makers held a Green Aviation Event – Jet Zero 2050 on 25 October at the Glaziers Hall.

 

Speakers at the Jet Zero 2050 Event

 An all-day Event, the morning included presentations from The Lord Mayor, Alderman and Sheriff Alison Gowman (reflecting City interests in zero carbon and its financial institutions), and the Aviation Minister, Robert Courts. After a break, further presentations included Whizz Air UK’s Managing Director, Marion Geoffroy, and Colin Sach, on financing the transition to the Jet Zero pathways – i.e., how to get there.

The striking thing from this Event is the inclusive nature of the approach, including researchers, manufacturers, operators, regulators, financiers (50% of airframes and engines are owned by financial institutions) and government, which has made progress possible and the target achievable. Nobody proposed making flying elitist to reduce carbon emissions, in fact, Whizz Air plans a growth in the recreational market.

So how will it be done? Replacing older jets - modern jets are significantly more fuel efficient than older models, further use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel, more efficient flight routing, conversion of ground facilities to electric. To an extent these are holding measures until new power systems are developed. All will require a major redesign of the aircraft and facilities, as fuels such as liquid hydrogen are trialled, but the momentum is there.

My thanks go to Nick Goodwyn (Air Pilots) and Charles Holroyd (WCSIM) for this insight into the way the aviation sector is responding to the zero carbon challenge.

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