The Sky-High Route to Low-Carbon Aviation
The industry has reached a consensus on key decarbonization steps: fleet updates, innovative propulsion tech, operational efficiency, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and carbon offsetting.
Decarbonization Efforts in the Aviation Industry
Air travel has allowed us to cover great distances in record time. From the smallest and lightest to the biggest and most commercial, aircraft designs have undergone radical technological transformation. However, air travel also contributes 2.5% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions(1). Therefore, it is high time to reinvent the way we fly.
Decarbonization takes top priority in the aviation industry’s efforts to combat climate change. Over the years, companies have ramped up efforts to reduce GHG emissions and decarbonize, while staying profitable amidst significant time and technological development challenges. The global air transport industry is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Thanks to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, low-carbon flights can become a reality. Aviation companies can create live virtual replicas of hydrogen fuel, sustainable aviation fuel (SAFs) and electric aircraft technologies for propulsive and non-propulsive energy systems. They can plan and test them at any point in the supply chain – all before real-life application. In doing so, they effectively deliver better fuels, better planes and a more robust value network.
An Integrated Path Towards Low-Carbon Aviation
Find out how a fully integrated platform offering the Virtual Twin Experience and other advanced solutions is the answer to low-carbon aircraft innovations and air transport decarbonization.
Harness the Power of A Virtual Ecosystem
With a proper ecosystem, companies can achieve climate change targets on time. By leveraging the Virtual Twin Experience on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, they can effectively and sustainably optimize and deliver low-carbon operations, infrastructure and innovations, as shown below.
| BATTERY-SOURCED ELECTRICITY | SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUELS (SAF) | HYDROGEN |
|---|---|---|
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| BATTERY-SOURCED ELECTRICITY |
SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUELS (SAFS) |
HYDROGEN |
|---|---|---|
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- Make use of end-to-end visibility on a single platform to source and manage raw materials
- Optimize material combinations at the molecular level
- Simulate 3D data models to test and validate fuel-plane compatibility and lifecycle at all scales throughout the aviation supply chain
- Leverage a single source of truth to streamline ongoing research and development (R&D) collaboration on hydrogen fuel
- Utilize virtual twin-based scenario planning to safely plan and execute hydrogen fuel transportation, and optimize storage capabilities at airports and filling systems
Decarbonizing aviation is now on the agenda of every executive in the aerospace industry. While there are many possible technological levers today such as sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), hydrogen fuel and electrical aviation, the winners of this race will be parties that can build the right ecosystem around the use of these levers.
Accelerating Hydrogen Transition
Learn more on how Dassault Systèmes can help accelerate the development and deployment of hydrogen aircraft technologies for either propulsive or non-propulsive energy systems.
The Sky’s the Limit
Decarbonizing is complex and challenging. With the Virtual Twin Experience and other advanced capabilities on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, it does not have to be. Carbon-neutral air transport is that much closer to becoming a reality.
Optimize Your Low-Carbon Aviation Strategy Today
Achieve your decarbonization targets on time with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.
Resident expert Isaac Benzaquen explains how and why it works.
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1 Source: Our World in Data
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FAQ About Decarbonization & Net Zero Air
Decarbonizing the aviation sector, known for its challenges in adopting sustainable aviation fuel and biofuels due to immature technology and high costs, poses a significant hurdle for airlines, airports, and aviation industry players.
The aim of decarbonizing the aviation sector is to attain carbon neutrality, reverting to pre-human CO2 levels in the atmosphere, a goal pursued through sustainable aviation fuel, biofuels, and ongoing research by airlines and aviation industry companies.
Decarbonizing the aviation sector is vital in the fight against climate change. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has identified five key pillars for decarbonization in aviation:
- Enhanced operational efficiency
- Adoption of sustainable alternative fuels
- Implementation of market-based measures
- Technological advancements
- Investments in infrastructure
These pillars guide the aviation industry in its journey toward sustainability and reduced carbon emissions.
In 2022, the aviation sector contributed 2% of global energy-related CO2 emissions. Its rapid growth surpassing rail, road, and shipping emissions highlights the challenge. Post-Covid-19, aviation emissions neared 800 Mt CO2, reaching 80% of pre-pandemic levels.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is produced via hydrodeoxygenation, a process eliminating oxygen from renewable feedstocks using hydrogen in the aviation sector's quest for decarbonization.