Achieving a cleaner and more sustainable business aviation industry is heavily reliant on a fundamental change in investment strategy, according to new research. Experts from University College Dublin propose that while the necessary clean technologies are available, they require a shift toward taking greater financial risks to back breakthrough innovations—such as hydrogen power and large-scale Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) systems—rather than focusing primarily on minor, incremental efficiency upgrades.
The emphasis on this high-impact funding is critical as it will demonstrate progress and commitment on carbon emissions reductions that benefit the industry’s standing with financial institutions, making it easier to secure the capital necessary for future growth. To help guide this process, researchers have developed the Aviation Sustainability Index (ASI). This quantitative tool is intended to help investors accurately identify and finance only those projects that promise deep decarbonization, helping to avoid investments that offer minimal environmental benefits.
