Dubai Airshow 2023 set to display latest innovation towards sustainable future

Industries have embarked on significant endeavors toward decarbonization, as innovation propels forward at an exponential pace. With the Dubai Airshow coinciding with the United Nations’ annual global climate change conference, COP28, set to take place in Dubai later in the year, stakeholders in the industry are presented with the opportunity to showcase their latest solutions aimed at achieving net zero emissions. This event also serves as a platform for collaborative discussions and the acquisition of fresh insights.

The aviation sector is responsible for roughly 2% to 3% of the world’s CO2 emissions, and without intervention, this figure could surge to 25% to 30% by 2050, given the steady increase in passenger demand. A recent report titled ‘Sustainable Technologies in Aviation’ by Frost & Sullivan underscores the urgency for manufacturers, airlines, and airport operators to undertake sustainability initiatives.

Furthermore, global production capacity for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) must surpass 30 billion liters by 2030 and 450 billion liters by 2050 to enable airlines to meet net zero targets. In 2020, SAF production stood at a mere 450 million liters, representing less than 0.05% of the global jet fuel demand as per IATA.

Noteworthy efforts are already underway in the Middle East. Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) has teamed up with Airbus to foster the growth of the global SAF market and collaborate on Green Hydrogen and Direct Air Capture technologies. Qatar Airways has partnered with Shell to procure a significant quantity of SAF at Amsterdam Schiphol airport, making it the first carrier in the Middle East and Africa to secure a substantial SAF volume in Europe beyond government mandates.

Globally, Shell Aviation has established multiple agreements to provide airlines, including JetBlue and Japan Airlines, with SAF. Air bp, BP’s aviation division, has made strides by announcing the first sale of SAF from its Castellon refinery in Spain.

Emirates, in its pursuit of aiding the aviation industry in meeting carbon emission targets, conducted a successful demonstration flight powered by 100% SAF on a Boeing 777-300ER. The airline has also allocated $200 million for advanced fuel technology research and development to reduce aviation’s environmental impact.

Mikail Houari, President for Africa and the Middle East at Airbus, emphasized the company’s commitment to aerospace decarbonization and its efforts to pioneer disruptive technologies that aim to revolutionize air travel. Airbus aims for its commercial fleet to fly with 100% SAF by 2030.

Additionally, Honeywell has introduced UOP eFining, a technology that produces lower-carbon aviation fuel using green hydrogen and captured carbon dioxide.

Dubai Airshow has confirmed its dedication to sustainability, evident in its theme ‘The Future of the Aerospace Industry’ for the upcoming edition. The event, taking place from November 13 to 17, 2023, will feature special sustainability-focused conference tracks. Boeing will host the Aerospace 2050 stage, incorporating a comprehensive Sustainability conference that will tackle the crucial aspects of creating a sustainable aerospace ecosystem, addressing challenges and opportunities related to sustainability.

Kuljit Ghata-Aura, President for Boeing Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa, expressed Boeing’s enthusiasm for participating in the Dubai Airshow and emphasized their commitment to aiding their airline customers in achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 through the development of innovative airplanes and technologies.