Aziz Koleilat

As we embark upon a new year, the ongoing quest to make aviation more sustainable is seeing a surge in momentum. The industry stands today at the threshold of transformative change — from new engine architecture to alternative fuels to emissions-reducing software. Collectively, we have a goal of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and to achieve these goals, we must all accelerate.

Here’s why: while operational efficiencies have resulted in a 55 per cent improvement in fuel burn per passenger kilometre since 1990, with the number of flights and travellers continuing to increase, carbon emissions continue to grow. Since GE Aerospace technology powers three out of four commercial flights around the globe, we have both an incredible responsibility and an unparalleled opportunity to advance a safer and more sustainable future.

As a sector that thrives on collaboration and innovation, a holistic approach will be the key to navigating the technological and economic challenges of decarbonising the airline industry. There is no single solution so we must look at what we can do today, tomorrow and into the future.

Today, we start with existing engine technologies. Our newest engine products offer 10-15 per cent better fuel efficiency than their predecessors. A solution to wash engines with foam rather than water — cleaning dust and dirt particles — can yield up to three times more fuel savings. Software solutions that leverage data the airlines already have can help optimise flight plans and routes for fuel savings. Aerospace Carbon Solutions, a GE Aerospace business, has been established to focus on the outside-the-engine decarbonisation of the aviation sector.

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) will also play a major role. Today, all jet engines can run on approved SAF blends and looking to the near future, the industry is actively developing standards for the adoption of 100 per cent SAF. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) roadmap makes it clear that SAF is essential to reaching net zero carbon emissions, as it is projected to account for approximately 65 per cent of CO₂ emission reductions by 2050. To help promote a global SAF market and accelerate uptake, IATA will launch a SAF registry early this year. Still, challenges related to infrastructure and cost remain so there is an opportunity for acceleration.

Looking into the future, we’re already at work developing the technologies for the next generation of commercial engine products. The CFM* RISE programme, for instance, targets more than 20 per cent better fuel efficiency with 20 per cent lower CO₂ emissions compared to the most efficient engines in service today. The game-changing Open Fan architecture, one of the technologies we’re advancing through the RISE programme, could enable that large step-change in efficiency. We are making real progress on the programme with more than 250 tests completed and plan to conduct ground and flight tests this decade.

Critical to achieving all of this are the skilled people who are at the centre of this work. To navigate the complexities of this transition and drive the aerospace industry forward, we need passionate, skilled, and innovative engineers, scientists, and technology professionals. Through partnerships with educational institutions, investment in STEM programmes, and a culture that encourages continuous learning and development, the industry can help prepare the next generation of aerospace professionals to tackle the most pressing challenges of tomorrow.

The time is now. As we enter 2025, all parties – public sector, private sector, and industry bodies — must boldly ramp up to reach our goals.

*CFM International is a 50-50 joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran.