‘Jet zero’ to take off in 2024

A regional aerospace cluster believes the “jet zero” movement will “take off” in 2024, as momentum builds on decarbonising the aerospace sector.

The overarching goal is to attain ‘net zero aviation’ by 2050 while advancing technology to enhance the overall cleanliness of the broader industry.

Alan Fisher, chief executive officer of Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC), said: “The move to a greener future is happening and we want to be at the forefront. Our country’s aerospace sector is centred in the south and south-east and we must make efforts to decarbonise.

“FAC represents many companies in the aerospace and aviation sectors, but also many in their supply chains. The rush to ‘jet zero’ includes many different types of business, from those making the planes and infrastructure to those making small components.

“Fuel is one area that is being studied closely in an attempt to reduce the emissions it produces. The weight of components and the processes and chemicals being used are all under scrutiny.

“Next year will be hugely important in the development of this new tech. Having emerged from the pandemic lockdowns, industry is now fully focussed. The cluster involves different types of organisation who have embarked on a collaborative approach which will be the best way forward.

“Our aim is to help the industry prosper by going where governments, and the public, want it to go. This year Gulfstream completed the world’s first trans-Atlantic flight using sustainable aviation fuel. So we know it can be done.”

The cluster includes 25 organisations, ranging from trade bodies and local authorities to universities and colleges.