In this episode, we speak with Dick Benschop, Chair of the Board at Mission Possible Partnership (MPP), an alliance of climate leaders focused on supercharging efforts to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors.Benschop discusses:The challenge of decarbonising aviation amid rapid growth with focus on both efficiency and sustainable fuels.How blending mandates can break the “chicken and egg” problem between SAF suppliers and airlines, with Europe’s 2% mandate in 2025 serving as a catalyst for market development. Currently, there are 40 SAF plants in operation and 10 with Final Investment Decision (FID), representing about 50% of 2030 capacity needs, with 143 more plants announced*.The importance of smart environmental constraints over simple capacity caps, advocating for declining noise and CO2 emission limits that allow airlines to “earn their place” through innovation.The potential for electric and hydrogen aircraft to serve up to one-third of aviation energy demand by 2050, with electric planes operational by 2030 and hydrogen aircraft following by 2035.How breaking down silos between sectors can accelerate decarbonisation, using lessons from aviation’s blending mandates to inform solutions in other industries like green fertiliser production.Benschop emphasises that achieving net-zero aviation requires looking beyond individual sectors to system-wide solutions, highlighting the need for coordinated action across industry, government and consumers. *Note: The podcast mentions different figures for the number of SAF plants needed. The numbers cited above reflect MPP’s latest analysis, which shows that actual plants are larger than initially assumed, meaning fewer total plants are needed to meet 2030 capacity targets. If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with Andrew Chen, Principal for Aviation Decarbonisation at RMI, who shares the non-profit’s multi-faceted approach to aviation decarbonisation. 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:Mission Possible PartnershipAviation - Mission Possible Partnership Aviation Net Zero Explorer - Mission Possible PartnershipMission Possible Partnership unveils how three of the most carbon intensive industries can reach net zero This episode is brought to you by 4AIR. 4AIR is leading the way with the industry’s first framework to address aviation’s climate impact—offering clear, verifiable pathways to reduce and counteract aircraft emissions. For more information, please visit: https://www.4air.aero/ 

Anna Stratton, Associate Director of Aviation at ClimateWorks Foundation, discusses the pivotal role of philanthropy in achieving net zero in aviation. She highlights how funding can support sustainable aviation practices and emerging markets. Key insights include Europe’s ReFuelEU policy as a model for sustainable aviation fuel, the potential of hydrogen for short flights, and the excitement around contrail mitigation. Stratton urges a comprehensive approach that includes various solutions beyond sustainable fuels and emphasizes the importance of collaboration and innovation in the sector.

Matthew Gorman, Director of Carbon Strategy and Sustainability at Heathrow Airport, shares insights from over 15 years of leading sustainability initiatives. He discusses Heathrow's Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) incentive scheme, which supports airlines in adopting SAF and aims for a 3% target by next year. Gorman breaks down the airport's carbon footprint and highlights ambitious NOx emissions reduction goals. He also delves into the future of hydrogen aviation and the balance between environmental responsibility and maintaining global connectivity.

Sally Davey, CEO of Travalyst, leads a non-profit coalition formed by Prince Harry to foster sustainable tourism through collaboration. She discusses uniting major travel companies like Google and Expedia to enhance eco-friendly practices. The conversation covers Travalyst's data-driven initiatives, including the open-source Travel Impact Model, which empowers travelers with carbon footprint insights. Davey envisions regenerative tourism that benefits local communities and emphasizes the importance of consistent sustainability metrics in reshaping the travel industry.

Dr. Christoph Gebald, co-founder and co-CEO of Climeworks, shares insights on pioneering direct air capture technology for sustainable aviation. He discusses how their innovative DAC technology captures and permanently stores CO2, highlighting a major breakthrough that doubles capture capacity while reducing energy use. Gebald also reveals the significance of partnerships with major airlines and the launch of their Mammoth plant in Iceland, aimed at capturing 36,000 tons of CO2 annually. His optimistic view on consumer demand underscores the importance of integrated climate solutions.

Aviation executives share their bold strategies for achieving net-zero emissions. Scandinavian Airlines is pushing for electric flights by 2028, while Alaska Airlines aims for carbon neutrality by 2040. Boeing is on track for 100% sustainable aviation fuel compatibility by 2030. Pittsburgh International Airport proudly operates off-grid and advances sustainable fuel options. Meanwhile, Truckee Tahoe Airport leads the way with full SAF adoption. Collaboration across the industry is key to turning sustainable ambitions into reality.

Discover how five industry leaders are revolutionizing sustainable aviation fuel. From e-fuel technology converting green hydrogen and CO2 to innovative alcohol-to-jet methods, the future looks bright. Learn about ambitious plans to produce millions of gallons of carbon-neutral fuels and reduce lifecycle emissions significantly. Hear about unique strategies focusing on agricultural waste and the importance of collaboration in this evolving market. Exciting advancements and economic challenges point towards a greener flying future!

Valérie Guénon, Vice President of Product Environment Policies at Safran Aircraft Engines, discusses groundbreaking innovations aimed at transforming aviation sustainability. She highlights the RISE program, which features an open fan architecture to significantly reduce fuel consumption. Guénon dives into Safran's commitment to sustainable aviation fuel and its efforts to ensure engine compatibility with 100% SAF. She also addresses the complexities of hydrogen adoption in aviation and shares insights on electrification initiatives for smaller aircraft, emphasizing collaborative industry efforts.

In this episode, we talk to Kennedy Ricci, President of 4AIR, who shares insights into how business aviation can accelerate sustainability initiatives that could benefit the entire industry. 4AIR helps private aviation stakeholders implement impactful sustainability programs, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and industry commitments through independent reviews. Ricci explains 4AIR’s broad approach to aviation sustainability, that extends beyond traditional carbon offsetting.He discusses:The development of 4AIR’s four-tier rating system for aviation sustainability, starting with carbon offsetting and progressing to more advanced solutions including SAF usage and investment in future technologies.Recent research on contrail reduction shows that adjusting just 50 flights out of nearly 17,000 could reduce the non-CO2 impact by about 50%. The study also found that 70% of contrail-producing flights could have avoided contrails by flying at different altitudes.The stark difference in contrail formation between US and European operations, with aircraft making contrails almost twice as frequently in Europe due to air traffic control (ATC) practices, highlighting the importance of ATC cooperation in sustainability efforts.Business aviation’s outsized role in sustainable aviation fuel adoption, consuming about 10-15% of global SAF production despite representing only 2% of aviation fuel usage, effectively serving as an early adopter for the broader industry.The implementation of innovative tracking solutions through their Assure platform, which has documented over 15 million gallons of SAF and helped establish a more robust system for tracking sustainable fuel usage.If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with Eloa Guillotin, Co-Founder & CEO of Beyond Aero. 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:4AIR 4AIR launches Assure SAF registry to track and validate sustainable aviation fuel - Financial Post 4AIR awarded prestigious recognition by Environment+Energy - GlobeNewswire ‘Small changes to aircraft routings’ could reduce environmental impact - AGN 4Air compliance services expands with 21 more environmental requirements - Aviation International News 

In this episode, we speak with Christina Cassotis, CEO of Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), who shares her ambitious vision for transforming the airport into a sustainable aviation hub. Cassotis discusses Pittsburgh’s unique position and innovative approach to aviation sustainability. She highlights several key initiatives:PIT has achieved a remarkable milestone as the world’s first fully off-grid major airport. Through a public-private partnership, the airport commissioned a microgrid in 2021 that powers its entire operation. The airport is developing three SAF production pathways: alcohol-to-jet technology using ethanol, fugitive methane capture, and hydrothermal liquefaction converting organic waste to fuel.Their hydrogen strategy includes testing hydrogen-powered ground equipment like snowplows, developing distributed production technology, and establishing themselves as a regional hydrogen hub supporting both airport and public transportation needs.PIT leverages unique assets including its location above the Marcellus Shale natural gas deposit, existing fuel infrastructure with export capability, Carnegie Mellon University partnership, and the region’s energy innovation legacy.Opening in 2025, their new LEED Gold terminal features rainwater capture systems, recycled construction materials, and a design optimised for origin and destination traffic, reflecting their evolution from a former US Airways hub.Throughout the conversation, Cassotis emphasises the importance of taking incremental steps toward sustainability targets, sharing knowledge across the industry, and maintaining a balance between environmental protection and operational efficiency. Her vision extends beyond Pittsburgh, aiming to create a model that other airports can learn from and adapt. If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with Robb Etnyre, General Manager of Truckee Tahoe Airport. 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:Pittsburgh Airport aims to be a ‘trailblazer’ in SAF production - Aviation Week Network PIT Named Among World’s Best in Environmental Sustainability - Blue Sky NewsMaking Pittsburgh a global leader in green aviation - Carnegie Mellon University KeyState, CNX advancing transformational hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel hub at Pittsburgh International Airport - PR Newswire