Sustainability technologies to be showcased at the Dubai Airshow

The forthcoming Dubai Airshow is gearing up to serve as a crucial platform for showcasing groundbreaking innovations aimed at propelling the aerospace industry closer to its global net zero emissions targets. Scheduled for November 13 to 17, the 18th edition of the show will take place at Dubai World Central (DWC), Dubai Airshow Site, guided by the overarching theme, 'The Future of the Aerospace Industry.'

It is no surprise that sustainability has emerged as a pivotal topic of discussion and a prime area of focus for the stakeholders involved in this year's Dubai Airshow. This reflects the industry's relentless pursuit of carbon neutrality and environmental responsibility. The aerospace and defence sectors are resolutely committed to their journey towards achieving net zero emissions. In that vein, this year's airshow will present an array of cutting-edge solutions to sustain the industry's momentum, complete with specialized conference tracks that centre around sustainability.

Experts in the field will convene to deliberate on measures aimed at cultivating a more sustainable aerospace ecosystem, dissecting some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities. This discourse assumes added significance as the Dubai Airshow paves the way for the United Nations' annual global climate change conference, COP28, also set to be held in Dubai later in the year. The event offers stakeholders a unique opportunity to exhibit their latest solutions for reducing emissions, engage in collaborative efforts, and gain fresh insights.

The aviation industry's contribution to global CO2 emissions currently hovers around 2% to 3%. Yet, with a consistent rise in passenger demand, this figure could swell to a worrisome 25% to 30% by 2050 if no proactive measures are taken. This sobering fact is outlined in a recent report titled 'Sustainable Technologies in Aviation' by Frost & Sullivan. It underscores the urgent need for manufacturers, airlines, and airport operators to embark on sustainability initiatives. To meet net-zero targets, the global production capacity for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) must surpass 30 billion litres by 2030 and an even more substantial 450 billion litres by 2050. Alarming as it may be, SAF production in 2020 stood at a mere 450 million litres, equivalent to less than 0.05% of global jet fuel demand, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). However, some promising initiatives are already underway in the Middle East region. For instance, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) has agreed with Airbus to support the growth of the SAF market globally, alongside collaborations in Green Hydrogen and Direct Air Capture technologies. Meanwhile, Qatar Airways has inked a deal with Shell to procure 3,000 metric tonnes of neat SAF at Amsterdam Schiphol airport, marking a significant step as the first carrier in the Middle East and Africa to acquire a substantial quantity of SAF in Europe, going beyond government mandates.

Globally, Shell Aviation has established several agreements to supply SAF to airlines like JetBlue and Japan Airlines (JAL), while Air BP, the specialized aviation division of multinational oil and gas giant BP, announced the inaugural sale of SAF from its Castellon refinery in Spain, a noteworthy achievement in making SAF more accessible.

In a milestone event, Emirates recently executed a successful demonstration flight powered entirely by SAF on a Boeing 777-300ER. This aligns with Emirates' plans to assist the global aviation industry in meeting carbon emission targets, supported by a dedicated $200 million fund for research and development in advanced fuel technologies aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of commercial aviation.

Kuljit Ghata-Aura, President, Boeing Middle East, Türkiye and Africa, commented: “Boeing is very proud to be participating in the Dubai Airshow again, and we are especially pleased to be the sponsor of the Aerospace 2050 conference. The aviation industry is committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, and Boeing is actively developing airplanes and technologies which will enable our airline customers to meet these goals. We look forward to sharing our experience and engaging with our industry peers and partners at Dubai Airshow 2023.”

Exhibitors at the Dubai Airshow will unveil their latest technologies and innovations designed to propel the industry towards achieving global net zero emissions targets. Furthermore, Honeywell has introduced UOP eFining, a groundbreaking technology that produces low-carbon aviation fuel from green hydrogen and carbon dioxide captured from industrial processes.

Mikail Houari, President, Africa and Middle East at Airbus, commented: “At Airbus, we continue to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to leading the decarbonisation journey in the aerospace industry through our pioneering role in developing disruptive technologies. Whether this is through hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft or other sustainable solutions when it comes to engines and fuels, our goals are a testament to the potential for revolutionising the way we fly. We are relentlessly pursuing ambitions of building a more sustainable future for aviation as we seek to make our commercial fleet capable of flying with 100% SAF by 2030.”

Mohammed Mohaisen, president and CEO, Honeywell Middle East and North Africa, commented: “Sustainable Aviation Fuel represents a ready now opportunity to drive the sustainable growth of the aviation industry, yet it is still barely tapped into. Technologies that can harness readily abundant CO2 to produce SAF are transformational in terms of how we fuel aircraft and will play an important role in the long-term decarbonization of the sector. That is why we recently added UOP eFining to our existing Ecofining and ethanol-to-jet fuel portfolio, offering customers multiple pathways to SAF production through proven technology, and helping them meet the rapidly growing demand for renewable fuels today."

The 18th edition of the Dubai Airshow will build on the industry's momentum with dedicated conference tracks focusing on sustainability. Boeing will be the host sponsor for the Aerospace 2050 stage, featuring a two-day Sustainability conference, set to be more extensive than ever, given the escalating importance of the topic. This conference will bring together industry experts to discuss the steps required to establish a more sustainable aerospace ecosystem, addressing some of the most critical sustainability challenges and opportunities. The sustainability conference, with sponsorship from key players like Air bp, Shell Aviation, and the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO), will emphasize critical topics for 2023, including hydrogen-powered aviation, SAF, COP28 predictions, efficient engines, streamlined operations, hybrid and electric aircraft. It will also delve into preparations for a future with carbon-neutral passengers and the creation of a low-carbon aviation energy hub through global leadership. With both the industry and the region steadfastly committed to reducing emissions, attendees will be treated to fresh insights and in-depth discussions on the sustainability trends shaping the industry's future. They will also have the opportunity to explore a plethora of new technologies, innovations, and initiatives that promise to redefine the aerospace sector in the quest for a sustainable, eco-friendly future.