Carbon is Key was held 9-11 November, and focussed on the topics of ‘The Sustainable Aviation Challenge, ‘Future Aviation’, and ‘Future Airports’. Group Head of Aerodrome Strategy for AGS, Fiona Smith chaired the Future Aviation session, with Brian McClean, Director of Communications for AGS hosting The Sustainable Aviation Challenge and Future Airports. Fiona and Brian were joined by a number of industry professionals keen to share their concerns on the way the industry currently is, and how they hope and plan to move towards a more sustainable future in the aviation industry. Each panelist illustrated just how seriously this issue is being taken.

Deputy Director Aviation Decarbonisation Division, Department for Transport (DfT) and Carbon is Key speaker, Holly Greig comments, “Aviation must play its part in delivering the UK’s net zero 2050 commitment, and so its future must be a sustainable one. There is no one silver bullet and it will be a challenge, so it is important to discuss how it can be achieved.” She expressed her beliefs on why it’s imperative the industry comes together on matters such as carbon emissions: “Collaboration is key in the decarbonisation of aviation. There is no one technology, initiative, person or organisation that can decarbonise this sector; we must all work together and bring our own personal expertise, passion and drive to achieve net zero aviation by 2050.” 

The Sustainable Aviation Challenge
Tues 9th November – Chaired by Brian McClean, AGS Airports

• Derek Provan, CEO of AGS Airports discussed the CAELUS project as well as how AGS Airports are working towards a more sustainable future
• Jonathon Counsell, Group Head Sustainability, International Airlines Group (IAG), presented Airline Sustainability
• Dan Williams, Senior International Advisor, Office of Environment & Energy, FAA , presented FAA Fuels/Whitehouse Bill
• Martin Bowman, Director of Aviation Technology, Deloitte, presented Priorities for Aviation on the Path to Sustainability
• Gene Gebolys, CEO of World Energy, presented: So, You’ve Set Sustainability Goals. Now What?

Future Aviation
Weds 10th November – Chaired by Fiona Smith, AGS Airports

• Adam Morton, Head of Environmental Technology, Rolls-Royce presented Fuels & Propulsion
• Dr. Thomas Budd, Lecturer Airport Planning & Management, Cranfield University presented Project Napkin
• Valentina Vecchio, Sustainability Policy & Partnership, Europe, Boeing presented Sustainable Aerospace
• Peter Rafano, Environmental Intelligence Services – Airports, Envirosuite presented Detailed Aircraft GHG emissions using ANOMS Carbon Emissions Module
• Will Wright, A320 Pilot, Chair of Young Air Pilots for The Honourable Company of Air Pilots presented Engaging the Next Generation for Sustainability.

Valentina expressed her thoughts on the importance of sessions like Carbon is Key, and how it gives the industry an opportunity to work together in the future. “It’s important to discuss the possibility of a sustainable future in aviation to unlock today’s technology, advance innovation and create collaboration opportunities across the aviation value chain and beyond.” 

Future Airports
Thurs 11th November – Chaired by Brian McClean, AGS Airports

• Brian McClean, Director of Communication & Sustainability, AGS Airports – CHAIR
• Michael Rossell, Vice President External Relations and Corporate Secretary, ACI World presented ACI World Net Zero Carbon by 2050
• Gonzalo Velasco, Business Plan & Innovation Director, Ferrovial Airports presented  Management of Future Airports / Decarbonisation
• Scott Cary, Ports & Airports Project Manager, US National Renewable Energy Institute presented Renewable Energy Optimisation
• Sergio Fernandez, Director Airport, Passenger, Cargo, Security, Europe, IATA presented Future Airports & Airlines
• Holly Greig, Deputy Director Aviation Decarbonisation Division, Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom presenting  De-carbonisation COP26 outcomes

All sessions are now available online: