Can Aviation Collaborate Its Way to Net Zero?

In the latest episode of Altitude, host Rachel Gardner-Poole explored how air navigation service providers (ANSPs) are turning sustainability commitments into measurable progress. Joining her was Roni Friel, Head of Network Operations Delivery at NATS, Magdalena Wos, ATM Environmental Expert at skeyes, and Michelle Bishop, Director of Programmes at CANSO. Together, they discussed how collaboration, data, and innovation are shaping aviation’s path to net zero. 

From targets to tangible progress

For NATS, sustainability is not new. Roni explained how the organisation has been measuring environmental performance for more than a decade. In 2012, NATS introduced the 3Di metric, which measures flight efficiency and incentivises improvement. Since then, it has helped enable savings of around 6 million tonnes of CO₂. “If we only measure one thing, we only improve one thing,” Roni said. “By tracking efficiency, we’ve improved it, along with safety and punctuality.” 

Building greener skies together

Michelle explained how CANSO’s GreenATM programme helps ANSPs benchmark, share best practices, and continuously improve. The framework assesses providers across 24 criteria, awarding one of five levels based on maturity and measurable results. “One of the strengths of this industry is that we’re not competitors,” she said. “We share knowledge and learn from one another. GreenATM builds on that spirit.” 

For skeyes, that same principle underpins its approach. Magdalena spoke about working within programmes like GAIN and CANSO’s GreenATM, which bring ANSPs together to share performance data, compare progress, and learn from one another. “It’s not about competition,” she said. “It’s about visibility and accountability.” Achieving Level 3 accreditation under GreenATM has helped skeyes track its progress and identify new opportunities to improve.  

Both Roni and Magdalena agreed that progress depends on early action. With electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft still years from mainstream use, smarter airspace management remains the most immediate way to cut emissions. “Every tonne of CO₂ we save now is one we don’t have to offset later,” Roni said. 

Contrail avoidance and the power of data

While carbon reduction remains the core goal, the panel agreed that the next wave of innovation will go beyond fuel burn. One of the most promising areas is contrail avoidance. 

Although they may look harmless, some research suggests their warming effect on the climate could rival that of CO₂. That realisation has sparked a new wave of collaboration between aviation and technology companies. 

Operation Blue Skies stands out as a remarkable example of collaboration and innovation in action. Developed in partnership with Google, this project uses artificial intelligence and satellite data to predict exactly where contrails are likely to form in the atmosphere. By identifying these high-risk areas in advance, air traffic controllers can suggest small adjustments to flight paths, allowing pilots to avoid the conditions that create contrails. These minor changes, often imperceptible to passengers, can prevent contrails altogether, significantly reducing aviation’s environmental footprint.

“It’s about knowing what the atmosphere will do before it happens,” Roni explained. “If we can forecast those conditions accurately, we can act pre-emptively. The change might only be a few hundred feet of altitude, but the impact could be significant.” 

Michelle noted that this kind of research could reshape how “optimal” flight paths are defined in future. Traditionally, efficiency meant minimising distance and fuel burn. Now, it may mean balancing multiple climate factors. “The shortest route isn’t always the most sustainable one,” she said.  

Preparing for new types of flight

The panel also looked ahead to electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft, which could transform short-haul and regional travel over the next two decades. Michelle described the readiness picture as promising but uneven. Smaller electric aircraft will likely enter service first, while hydrogen remains a long-term solution, unlikely to make a major impact before 2050. 

For air traffic management, adaptation is key. Electric aircraft may be heavier due to battery weight, requiring changes to charging models based on aircraft weight. Hydrogen will demand new ground operations and refuelling logistics. “These aircraft won’t fit neatly into the existing system,” Magdalena said, stressing the need for coordination. 

A shared responsibility

As the discussion closed, each panellist offered a final thought. Roni said aviation does not have to choose between flying and the future. “We can have both if we act together.” Magdalena called for resilience, reminding the audience that cooperation and data will be key as European skies grow busier. Michelle emphasised urgency. “We can’t wait until 2050,” she said. “Every tonne of CO₂ we save now matters.” 

Watch the full episode of Altitude on YouTube, or listen wherever you get your podcasts.