Conference Papers 2024

Seminar
Day 1 (18 Sep 2024), Session 2, Sustainability, Green Skies and Intensity of Aviation Activity, 14:00 - 15:30

Status
Accepted, documents submitted

Submitted by / Abstract owner
Michael Stiebe

Authors
Michael Stiebe, Competence Center for Mobility, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts HSLU (presenter)
Matthias Niederhaeuser, Niederhaeuser Solutions GmbH

Short abstract
The paper presents an applied mixed-methods study of a new digital solution for automated CO2e calculation and carbon offsetting in General Aviation. We highlight pilot perspectives and implications for advancing sustainability within the industry.

Abstract
The aviation industry, a significant contributor to global carbon emissions, has seen increasing efforts towards sustainability over recent years, but mainly in the commercial aviation sector. General Aviation (GA) has not received nearly as much attention regarding its sustainability transition. GA encompasses “all civil aviation operations other than scheduled air services and non-scheduled air transport operations for remuneration or hire” (ICAO) and is the largest civil aviation sector measured by number of active pilots, registered aircraft, and annual aircraft movements. Despite GA's minimal contribution to civil aviation's overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, less than 1% of total civil aviation emissions, the sector faces substantial challenges in transitioning to sustainable operations alongside increasing public pressure (Kumar et al., 2018; Stiebe, 2023a; Singh, 2023). Nevertheless, empirical research shows there is strong support in the GA community for a sustainability transition (Stiebe, 2022; 2023a,b). The main sustainability challenges in GA are foremost the continued use of leaded aviation gasoline, outdated technology, high fleet age of an average of 50 years, demographic change, increasing operational costs, noise pollution, negative environmental perceptions, and public discontent (Luebbers 2019; Stiebe 2022, 2023a,b). While sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) are gaining pace as a practical drop-in solution and even substitute for Jet-A1 fuel (“kerosene”) to reduce the carbon footprint in the airline industry, the currently available SAF is not suitable for GA aircraft mainly operating on aviation gasoline (AVGAS), gasoline, and diesel. Furthermore, the noticeable trend of increased use and support of fully battery-electric aircraft (foremost Pipistrel Velis Electro), especially in pilot training, is a beacon of hope for a transition towards low-emission propulsion technologies in GA (e.g., Edwards and Parker, 2022; Stiebe; 2023a,b). However, this transition will most likely take decades due to the currently limited state of the technology (e.g., long charging times, low endurance and MTOW etc.) (Dubois, 2023; Stiebe, 2023a).

Given these obstacles to a fast technological transition, intermediary sustainability measures are necessary to manage the sustainability transition of GA and mitigate its adverse climate effects. Carbon offsetting is assumed to play a major role in GA over the next years, for instance via innovative carbon offsetting techniques such as via SAF purchase via book & claim or carbon offsetting via carbon capture and storage (CCS) or direct air capture (DAC).

This paper presents findings from a comprehensive sequential mixed-methods study which was a collaboration between Niederhäuser Solutions GmbH (volunt.aero), Aero-Club of Switzerland (Department Environment and Sustainability) and Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) focusing on the development and market potential of volunt.aero, a pioneering application designed to automate GHG (CO2-equivalent) emission calculations for GA pilots based on digital flight data from a digital logbook solution as well as connected to the official Swiss aircraft registry including specific engine emissions data. Furthermore, the tool offers easy-to-use personal preference-adjusted carbon offsetting offers (e.g., 30% conventional offsetting methods, 50% SAF book & claim, 20% DAC).

The collaborative project, funded by the Swiss Innovation Agency (Innosuisse) and spanning January to December 2023, aimed to address the gap in sustainability efforts within GA by leveraging digital technologies to simplify the emissions calculation and offsetting process for GA pilots. Recognizing the limitations of existing solutions, which often lack flexibility, user-friendliness, and aircraft-specific calculations, volunt.aero was conceptualized to integrate seamlessly with digital flight log data (capzlog.aero) and fuel consumption records as well as fuel consumption data from the national aircraft registry, thereby automating emission calculations and providing pilots with accessible carbon offsetting options.
Our research methodology combined literature and market analysis, quantitative online user surveys, in-depth interviews, GA expert focus group workshops, and the development of a sustainable business model. A comparative analysis of existing carbon offsetting solutions revealed significant gaps in the market, particularly in terms of customization to GA's unique requirements and user engagement.

This pioneering study highlights the GA community's strong acceptance of digital tools for emissions calculation and carbon offsetting, with 80% of users seeing their potential. Despite willingness among 62.9% of Swiss GA pilots to offset emissions, a gap exists between intentions and actions, pointing to untapped market potential. Pilots prefer traditional climate protection, SAF, and DAC for offsetting, indicating a demand for diverse options. Success factors include transparency, ease of use, and strategic partnerships, suggesting a commission-based business model for wider adoption.

These insights underline the importance of digital innovations and user-centric solutions in promoting sustainability in GA, offering valuable guidance for policymakers and industry stakeholders toward a greener aviation future.

Programme committee
Aviation

Topic
Air travel and airports