Aviation Decarbonization Through Efficient Operations, Gaps and Future Research Priorities

This paper addresses the gaps still remaining for the aviation industry to transition to Net Zero 2050 and the operational efficiencies associated with this transition. To support this, there is an overview of what aviation emissions is, leading to a definition of systems efficiencies and impact. A main contribution of the paper is the categorization of these system efficiencies in terms of either Operational, Technical or Integrational/Infrastructural in nature, which subsequently leads to the prioritization of system efficiencies related to aviation decarbonization. It was concluded that these can be categorized into two “loose” time phases leading towards Net Zero 2050. It was also concluded that there are four main research gaps to be addressed, including: Integration Strategy, Technology Implementation, Measurement and Assessment, and Economic Viability.