Anthropocene Magazine · Space

Greener Flying: A Path Through Sustainable Fuels and Engine Tech

Aviation is a growing source of greenhouse gases, with flights producing significant per-person emissions. While the industry is exploring emission reduction strategies, data on their effectiveness has been limited.

Researchers from the German Aerospace Center studied the combined impact of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) and modern efficient engines on aircraft pollution. Their findings, published in Science Advances, suggest a synergistic approach is needed for substantial particle emission reduction.

Jet engines emit not only carbon dioxide but also ultrafine particles, mainly soot, which affect public health and can form persistent contrails that trap heat. Reducing these non-CO2 emissions is crucial for meeting climate goals.

The study analyzed in-flight particulate emissions from two Airbus aircraft using lean-burn engines, one with conventional fuel and the other with SAF. A smaller test aircraft measured aerosol particles and trace gases.

Results showed that advanced engines reduced soot particle emissions significantly. However, soot emissions varied with fuel's hydrogen content, and volatile particle emissions from SAFs increased with sulfur content.

The research also highlighted considerable variations in emissions even between engines of the same type. These findings improve understanding of aircraft emissions in low-soot conditions.

The data is expected to aid in developing better jet engine models. Optimizing fuel composition and engine technology could reduce particle emissions, improve air quality near airports, and mitigate contrail formation.

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