SUSTAINABLE AEROSPACE AND AVIATION: COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS TOWARD A GREENER FUTURE

As climate change accelerates and environmental concerns take centre stage, the aerospace and aviation industries face growing scrutiny over their carbon footprint.

- KUMAR BHAGVANDAS CEO, Rossell Techsys

In India, where the aviation sector is witnessing rapid expansion, striking a balance between economic growth and sustainability is becoming increasingly critical. The challenge lies in reducing carbon emissions while maintaining the sector's upward trajectory—an issue that holds significance not just at the national level but also in the global fight against climate change.

Aviation plays a crucial role in driving global economic development, facilitating international trade, tourism, and connectivity. The industry—spanning commercial, cargo, and military aviation—serves as a backbone for worldwide mobility and economic integration. However, this progress comes with an environmental cost, with carbon emissions being the most pressing concern. As air travel demand surges both globally and in India, the push for greener technologies and sustainable practices is no longer optional—it is imperative.

SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES IN REDUCING CARBON EMISSIONS IN AVIATION

Reducing carbon emissions in the aviation industry presents formidable challenges. The sector remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels, mainly jet fuel, making decarbonization a complex issue. While advancements in aircraft design and fuel efficiency have helped curb emissions, the absence of commercially viable alternatives —such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) or electric propulsion—continues to hinder significant progress.

Additionally, the high costs associated with new technologies, retrofitting existing aircraft, and the lack of adequate infrastructure for alternative fuels pose substantial financial and logistical barriers. Achieving meaningful reductions in emissions will require sustained investment, innovation, and global cooperation.

GLOBAL AND NATIONAL EFFORTS TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE AVIATION