How can we make aviation more sustainable?

It’s well known that aviation accounts for a significant amount of carbon emissions. To meet goals like net-zero aviation emissions by 2050, the industry needs to transition to sustainable aviation. This has massive implications for aircraft design and engineering, leading to lots of questions. We’ve compiled answers to common sustainable aviation questions here, which were answered in our Ask Siemens Anything on Digital Twins for Sustainable Aviation webinar. The panel of experts included:

• Thierry Olbrechts, director of aerospace and defense industries Simcenter solutions, Siemens Digital Industries Software
• Erik Munktell, Simcenter solution manager for aircraft engines, Siemens Digital Industries Software
• Stéphane Mouvand, aerospace business development manager for Simcenter system simulation, Siemens Digital Industries Software
• Brandon Lewis, editor-in-chief of Embedded Computing Design, OpenSystems Media

Watch the clips below to hear their answers to key questions about sustainable aviation or watch the full webinar to learn more.

How can companies build more sustainable aircraft?

In this clip, Thierry Olbrechts discusses various solutions that will lead to more sustainable aircraft, including electrical propulsion systems, new energy vectors and innovative aircraft configurations, while addressing the challenges and risks involved in their integration.

How can you select the right aircraft architecture early in development?

Stéphane Mouvand discusses how to select the right aircraft architecture early on in development, particularly when it comes to alternatively fueled aircraft.

How does the Siemens software portfolio support certification for alternatively fueled aircraft?

Aircraft certification is always top of mind when it comes to aviation. Thierry Olbrechts walks through how the Siemens software portfolio can help you build a verification management plan that connects requirements, designs, testing data and more.

How does the length of the design cycle for sustainable aircraft compare to traditional aircraft?

Project timelines are another important part of aircraft development. As the industry shifts toward new types of aircraft, what impacts can teams expect? The panel weighs in.

Where does the aviation industry stand right now in terms of utilizing sustainable fuels like hydrogen?

To close, the panel discusses where the aviation industry currently is in its sustainability journey and where they expect it to go in the next 10 years.

Sustainable aviation resources from Siemens

The focus on sustainability in aerospace isn’t going anywhere. Watch the full webinar to hear what other sustainable aviation questions the panel answered. If you’re interested in learning more about alternative fuels in aerospace, check out our blog post breaking down the advantages and disadvantages of current options. Interested specifically in hydrogen? Watch our webinar on developing a hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system.