{"id":47359,"date":"2023-01-31T06:14:38","date_gmt":"2023-01-31T11:14:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/simcenter\/?p=47359"},"modified":"2026-03-26T06:28:58","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T10:28:58","slug":"collective-sustainability-mindset","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/simcenter\/collective-sustainability-mindset\/","title":{"rendered":"Our collective sustainability mindset"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

How Siemens Simcenter is helping the aviation industry make Fly Net Zero by 2050 a reality<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

It seems that 2023 is going to be the year that net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 really starts to take flight. Already in January, we are seeing major players from airlines to fuel suppliers to manufacturers and even passengers collectively taking steps to a greener way of flying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Good news for the planet from the capital of Europe<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here, in Belgium, we heard from Brussel Airlines\u2019 CEO Peter Gerber about quite a few positive steps, including the arrival of 3 more fuel-efficient Airbus A320neos<\/a>  as well as some good news from Brussels Airport itself like greener landing and take-off procedures and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) sourced direct from the nearby NATO pipeline. This is not only a more environmentally friendly fuel option, but also a faster and greener supply chain system. On the passenger side of things, Green Fares<\/a> are on offer for Brussels Airlines passengers travelling from Denmark, Norway and Sweden and other passengers can offset or neutralize CO2 emissions in exchange for additional award miles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile on the global front<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Considering IATA\u2019s call for a united front regarding Fly Net Zero by 2050<\/a>, the example of this one rather small airline is good news. As most of you know, IATA or the International Air Transport Association represents some 300 airlines comprising 83% of global air traffic. Currently under the direction of industry insider Willie Walsh, the former CEO of British Airways, IATA is leading the charge towards a coordinated effort to achieve Fly Net Zero by 2050. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe have a plan. The scale of the industry in 2050 will require the mitigation of 1.8 gigatons of carbon. A potential scenario is that 65% of this will be abated through sustainable aviation fuels. We would expect new propulsion technology, such as hydrogen, to take care of another 13%. And efficiency improvements will account for a further 3%. The remainder could be dealt with through carbon capture and storage (11%) and offsets (8%).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The actual split, and the trajectory to get there, will depend on what solutions are the most cost-effective at any particular time. Whatever the ultimate path to net zero will be, it is absolutely true that the only way to get there will be with the value chain and governments playing their role,\u201d states Wille Walsh, Director General, IATA.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Figure 1. IATA’s strategy towards net zero. (Graphic data courtesy of IATA)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Our work cut out for us<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Achieving net zero aviation emissions by 2050 will be a huge challenge \u2013 especially since experts are predicting that ten billion people are expected to fly in 2050. This pretty much doubles the 2020 pre-pandemic figures or triples 2022 post-pandemic figures. Either way you look at it, it is a tremendous amount of more people flying\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Wright brothers story<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAviation has a history of realizing what was thought to be impossible \u2014 and doing so quickly. From the first commercial flight to the first commercial jet was about 35 years. And twenty years on we had the first jumbo jet. Sustainability is the challenge of our generation. And today we are launching a transition that is challenging. But in 30 years it is also within reach of human ingenuity, provided governments and the whole industry work together and hold each other accountable for delivery.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wille Walsh, Director General, IATA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>A core ingredient in the net-zero recipe will be new (hybrid-)electric propulsion systems, new energy sources like hydrogen or SAF and radically new aircraft configurations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is still work in progress, but luckily, there is a serious foundation and Siemens already has developed a wide range of advanced engineering simulation and testing solutions aimed at creating a more sustainable aviation ecosystem. Part of the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio, Simcenter helps the industry address challenges related to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n