In a joint statement released at the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow, the Chief Technology Officers of major aerospace companies such as Boeing, Airbus, Dassault, GE Aerospace, Rolls-Royce, RTX, and Safran called for increased government research programs focused on understanding and reducing aviation’s non-CO2 effects. These effects include contrails, nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur, aerosols, and soot.
The aerospace industry is working collaboratively with research institutions, universities, and other stakeholders to better understand and address non-CO2 emissions. The statement highlighted the importance of increased research funding to support technological advancements, operational changes, and policy decisions in the aviation sector.
Key areas of concern include persistent contrails, which are estimated to have a significant warming climate impact. There is a need for further research to better understand the physical and chemical properties as well as the atmospheric conditions that influence contrail formation and evolution. Similarly, NOx emissions and their secondary reactions are influenced by engine design, operating conditions, and atmospheric factors, requiring accurate quantification through research and data collection.
The technology leaders emphasized a unified focus on research, flight testing, and data transparency to advance efforts in reducing non-CO2 emissions in the aviation industry. By working together with academic and government stakeholders, they aim to make meaningful progress towards a more sustainable aviation sector.
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