2025 is set to be a major year for the transition to net zero aviation in the UK. The UK civil aerospace sector is acutely aware of its responsibility to decarbonise and has supported the Government’s ambition to see ‘aviation thrive in a net zero world’, with billions of pounds in industrial investments.
On 14 and 15 May, the Sustainable Skies World Summit (SSWS) brings together the aerospace and aviation sectors’ most forward-thinking leaders and innovators in Farnborough. During what is a vital touchpoint in the global aerospace events calendar, aviation professionals and sustainability experts will share the latest insights on how to navigate the challenges and opportunities brought about by net-zero objectives.
Panels will cover a wide range of issues, including supporting the creation of a domestic Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) industry and preparing for the technologies of the future such as next-generation aircraft, advanced air mobility and hydrogen powered flights. Cutting-edge developments in direct carbon capture and removal are also on the programme. Of particular interest to all will be conversations around the Future of Flight. Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) vehicles such as electric powered vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and drones will make travelling and logistics greener, more efficient and more accessible – offering a near-term solution to zero emissions flight.
Amid heightened global competition and supply chain tensions, the Sustainable Skies World Summit provides a unique platform for participants to discuss these challenges and reflect on how to secure growth and drive innovation.
Sustainable aviation today
Against this backdrop, the aviation sector’s progress towards sustainability serves as a powerful reminder of the opportunity to build on existing advancements. Today, each new generation of aircraft has reduced emissions by 15-20%, while the overall fuel efficiency of the fleet is around 80% better than it was 50 years ago.
The future of flight is central to the UK’s mission to become a clean energy superpower and boost economic growth. Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) work is developing new, eco-friendly aircraft designs such as eVTOL aircraft. These technologies will serve UK consumers, support public services and contribute to the UK’s Jet Zero objectives.
A key aspect of sustainable aviation is the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), a drop-in fuel which emits 80% less CO2 over its lifecycle than kerosene. January saw the introduction of a SAF mandate, which requires 2% of total jet fuel demand to be met by SAF in 2025, increasing linearly to 10% in 2030 and 22% in 2040. With that said, the UK Government must not miss the opportunity to drive domestic SAF production, which could add £1.8 billion to the economy and create over 10,000 jobs by 2035.
Further significant improvements will come from yet more efficient engines, better aerodynamics, and lighter materials, many of which are being pioneered here in the UK. Alongside new aircraft technology and fuels, sustainable airport infrastructure and airspace modernisation will support sustainability goals.
Hydrogen propulsion is recognised as a high-potential technology for net-zero long-haul flights in the decades to come, and the UK is well-positioned to become a global leader with the right government support, particularly around accompanying infrastructure.
Challenges
Over the past year, there has been encouraging progress, but significant challenges remain. Regarding SAF, while 195 million litres of SAF were supplied in 2024 – up 101% from 2023 – the vast majority was imported, mostly from China. Currently there is only one industrial scale SAF plant in the UK, Phillips66 in Humberside. Restrictive planning laws have to some extent thwarted the development of SAF production plants in the UK in recent years. Industry welcomes the Government’s SAF Mandate and the publication of the Revenue Certainty Mechanism (RCM) Bill, which will establish a price floor for SAF in the UK. The UK Parliament must now act swiftly to pass the legislation to establish a strong position in domestic SAF production, otherwise, the sector will be forced to rely on imports as global competitors capitalise on increased demand.
Because the aerospace sector operates with long, capital-intensive investment cycles, The Government needs to work with industry to support long-term funding beyond Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 and towards commercialisation. Similarly, it should enable a competitive market for hydrogen aircraft by increasing investment in the Zero-Emission Flight Infrastructure programme and supporting the first commercial hydrogen-powered routes.
In line with its ambition to ‘grow aviation’, the Government is responsible for making the UK an attractive investment proposition for sustainable aviation investment. Subsidy control regulations, access to finance barriers, and enduring workforce shortages have hindered growth and innovation. An industrial strategy should establish clear funding and policies to scale technology from R&D to commercialisation, strengthen supply chains, and promote co-design and joined-up delivery with industrial partners. This will be crucial to secure viable investments and make today’s potential into tomorrow’s competitive advantage.
The Sustainable Skies World Summit offers industry experts and decision-makers an ideal platform to share insights and drive actionable steps towards net-zero aviation. As a founding partner, ADS Group is proud to collaborate with its members to support meaningful progress towards a sustainable future for aviation.
