In this episode, we talk to Rachel Gardner-Poole, who chairs the Zero Emission Flight (ZEF) Delivery Group within the UK’s Jet Zero Council. Established in 2020, the Jet Zero Council is a collaborative effort between the government, industry, and academia to achieve net zero emissions in UK aviation by 2050.

Gardner-Poole discusses the UK Government’s multi-departmental involvement in the Jet Zero Council, highlighting the importance of cross-departmental collaboration in achieving net zero emissions. The conversation centers on the various strategies and technologies being explored to decarbonise UK aviation. Gardner-Poole emphasises the crucial role of SAF in the UK’s decarbonisation strategy, with a target of 10% SAF by 2030. She also discusses the potential of hydrogen and electric aircraft, particularly for short-haul flights and smaller aircraft, while acknowledging the longer timeline for their widespread adoption.

Gardner-Poole touches upon the challenges associated with developing the necessary infrastructure for hydrogen and electric aircraft, as well as the importance of international cooperation in making zero-emission flight viable on a global scale. She also addresses the Jet Zero Council’s focus on non-CO2 emissions and contrails, and the ongoing research in this area.

If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversation we had with Marie Owens Thomsen, Senior Vice President Sustainability & Chief Economist at the International Air Transport Association (IATA), on the integration of sustainability and economics within the aviation sector. Check it out here.

Learn more about the innovators who are navigating the industry’s challenges to make sustainable aviation a reality, in our new book ’Sustainability in the Air’. Click here to learn more.

Feel free to reach out via email to podcast@simpliflying.com. For more content on sustainable aviation, visit our website green.simpliflying.com and join the movement. It’s about time.

Links & More: 

Jet Zero Council - GOV.UK 

Jet Zero Council announces two-year plan for UK aviation decarbonisation - Airport Technology

UK Jet Zero Council details plans to accelerate SAF production - Biodiesel Magazine

UK Proposes Revenue Scheme to Support Sustainable Fuel Industry - Aviation Week Network 

Australia in Lock-step with UK on Net Zero - Australian Flying