Report Of The Independent Experts On The Medium And Long Term Goals For Aviation Fuel Burn Reduction From Technology

This book aims to illustrate the impact of COVID-19 on the global aviation industry and its many facets and disruptive innovations this crisis is bringing to the industry, triggering a new phase of development for air transportation. As a result, there has been increased attention on the green aviation industry using new sustainable fuels (including hydrogen). The aviation industry is also moving towards operating electric aircraft. The book emphasizes a new concept of air travel and an entirely new type of aircraft called eVTOL, which is to say - electric Vertical take-off and landing aircraft. This new reality is already taking place with the development of prototypes. However, the road to its implementation is full of challenges.The later part of the book focuses on how China has opened doors to the private aviation sector as the country foresees an enormous opportunity to push its internal economy and aviation industry further.

Aircraft emissions currently account for ~3.5% of all greenhouse gas emissions. The number of passenger miles has increased by 5% annually despite 9/11, two wars and gloomy economic conditions. Since aircraft have no viable alternative to the internal combustion engine, improvements in aircraft efficiency and alternative fuel development become essential. This book comprehensively covers the relevant issues in green aviation. Environmental impacts, technology advances, public policy and economics are intricately linked to the pace of development that will be realized in the coming decades. Experts from NASA, industry and academia review current technology development in green aviation that will carry the industry through 2025 and beyond. This includes increased efficiency through better propulsion systems, reduced drag airframes, advanced materials and operational changes. Clean combustion and emission control of noise, exhaust gases and particulates are also addressed through combustor design and the use of alternative fuels. Economic imperatives from aircraft lifetime and maintenance logistics dictate the drive for "drop-in" fuels, blending jet-grade and biofuel. New certification standards for alternative fuels are outlined. Life Cycle Assessments are used to evaluate worldwide biofuel approaches, highlighting that there is no single rational approach for sustainable buildup. In fact, unless local conditions are considered, the use of biofuels can create a net increase in environmental impact as a result of biofuel manufacturing processes. Governmental experts evaluate current and future regulations and their impact on green aviation. Sustainable approaches to biofuel development are discussed for locations around the globe, including the US, EU, Brazil, China and India.

"This book, published by the European Commission, brings together about 80 papers selected by a Scientific Advisory Committee with the intention to make broadly known the main themes and issues addressed on the occasion of this Convention. Given the strategic importance of the latter, these post-conference proceedings constitute a reference document providing an overview on aeronautical research within Europe more particularly devoted to Commission supported programmes and networks"--Back cover.

Taking stock of all the major developments in the field of international environmental law, this text explores core assumptions and concepts, basic analytical tools and key challenges.