#Sustainable Aviation Fuel #Portugal #Lisbon #Breakthrough Energy #oneworld

oneworld Innovation Summit: Pioneering the Future of Aviation

The aviation industry is on the cusp of a significant transformation, and one of the leading forces driving this change is the oneworld® alliance. Recently, oneworld hosted its inaugural Innovation Summit in Lisbon, Portugal, just ahead of the much-anticipated World Aviation Festival. This groundbreaking event brought together airlines, innovators, and industry experts to delve deep into the future of flight and explore innovative solutions that aim to reshape aviation as we know it.

Connecting Innovators and Industry Leaders

The summit served as a platform for a dynamic exchange of ideas, allowing attendees to connect with digital, customer experience, and sustainability leaders across the oneworld alliance. The goal was clear: share best practices and spark new ideas to tackle common challenges in the aviation sector. Nat Pieper, the CEO of oneworld, emphasized the unity within the alliance, stating, "oneworld member airlines are exploring, investing in, and deploying innovation at an industry-leading rate." This statement reflects the alliance's collective commitment to change and excellence in aviation.

During the event, key figures from various sectors shared insights, among them Michael Augello, CEO of Airbus UpNext, who highlighted the importance of collaboration in creating meaningful outcomes in innovation. Augello noted that connecting and collaborating are foundational steps toward achieving epic results.

An Investment in Sustainable Aviation

A notable highlight of the summit was the collaboration with Breakthrough Energy Ventures, represented by Max Sabbe. By merging their extensive expertise in aviation and investment, they aim to facilitate the development of cost-effective Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) on a mass scale. This aligns with oneworld's pledge to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, a commitment made by the alliance to address the environmental impacts of air travel.

The recently launched $150 million fund between oneworld and Breakthrough Energy Ventures reflects a proactive approach to accelerate innovative technology's development and commercialization within the realm of sustainable aviation. Such collaboration is crucial to ensuring that promising ideas translate into impactful solutions that benefit the entire industry.

Innovations on Display

One of the standout features of the Innovation Summit was a series of panel discussions and presentations that showcased groundbreaking projects within the aviation sector. Participants were treated to insights from industry leaders, including:

• - Tom O'Leary, CEO of JetZero, who discussed revolutionary advancements in aircraft design that promise greater efficiency in commercial air travel.
• - Vicki Nakata, CEO of UP.Labs Airlines Ventures, who shared her perspective on how collaborative efforts unlock innovation opportunities across the aviation ecosystem.
• - Azim Barodawala, CEO of Volantio, who presented his company's award-winning AI technology, used by oneworld members to enhance passenger experiences during irregular operations.
• - Fabi Riesen, CEO of Loft Dynamics, who introduced innovative virtual reality flight simulators, which are the first to receive approvals from FAA and EASA.

The Future is Collaborative

The oneworld Innovation Summit demonstrated that the future of aviation relies heavily on collaboration among airlines, innovators, and technological pioneers. The insights shared and relationships forged at this event are pivotal in propelling the aviation industry toward a more sustainable and efficient future. As the exploration of new technologies continues, the synergy between airlines and innovators is expected to unlock even more solutions that can address the industry's pressing challenges.

As we look ahead, it is evident that oneworld is not only shaping the future of flight through innovation but also fostering an environment where collaboration thrives, ultimately contributing to a greener planet for generations to come.