As aviation accelerates its efforts to address climate and environmental challenges, a key question is how these ambitions translate into operational practice, both in the air and on the ground. This was the focus of a conference held on 1 October 2026 in Brussels, co-hosted by EUROCONTROL, IFATCA and the SESAR JU. The event brought together operational professionals, regulators and experts to explore the practical implications of environmental measures for the aviation sector.

Opening the conference, Andreas Boschen, Executive Director of SESAR JU, highlighted the fundamental role of research and innovation in making aviation more sustainable, stressing that the challenge lies in translating environmental ambitions into practical solutions that work safely, efficiently and at network scale. "The potential benefits demonstrated in our research projects only matter if they are delivered in operations," he said, underlining the importance of moving innovations from trials and demonstrations into everyday operations across the European network.

He also highlighted the contribution of projects supported under the SESAR Aviation Green Deal flagship, which are advancing more efficient trajectories, reducing unnecessary fuel consumption, addressing both CO₂ and non-CO₂ effects, and making aviation operations more resilient to a changing climate. These efforts contribute to the ambitions of the European ATM Master Plan, which sets the direction for making Europe the most efficient and environmentally friendly sky to fly in the world.

The conference explored some of the key operational questions facing the sector, from CO₂ and non-CO₂ emissions and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) to human factors, operational complexity and climate adaptation. Discussions also examined the trade-offs between local environmental priorities, such as noise and air quality, and wider climate objectives.

A panel discussion on local versus global trade-offs, moderated by David Batchelor, Chief External Affairs and Communications at the SESAR JU, brought together Tim Rees, IFATCA, Alexandre de Joybert, ACI EUROPE, Gauthier Sturtzer, European Transport Workers' Federation, Tim Johnson, Aviation Environment Federation, and Stephane Cherton, SOWAER. The discussion provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives on these challenges and consider how environmental measures can be implemented effectively in operational settings.

The event also showcased the contribution of three SESAR Aviation Green Deal projects, illustrating different approaches to reducing aviation's environmental footprint:

• PEACOCK – developing solutions to improve regional airport connectivity and environmental performance.
• INGERA – exploring the integration of next-generation regional aircraft, including hybrid and electric aircraft, into the air traffic management system.
• GEESE  – investigating wake energy retrieval, an innovative concept inspired by migrating birds flying in formation, which could help reduce aircraft fuel consumption and emissions.

Watch the conference recording and access the presentations

Discover more about the SESAR projects and their results