There’s a growing global commitment to reduce the environmental footprint of aviation, a sector responsible for a considerable 12% of greenhouse gas emissions, according to the David Suzuki Foundation. In Canada, we have a particularly exciting initiative unfolding – the Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Technology (INSAT).

Launched by the Canadian government, the INSAT is a nationwide effort to accelerate the green transformation of the aerospace industry. The initiative is fuelled by a whopping $350 million investment from the Strategic Innovation Fund. Its goal? To encourage collaboration on research and development projects across companies of all sizes, from the start-ups building disruptive technologies to the giants shaping the industry’s direction.

The INSAT doesn’t just focus on one aspect of sustainable aviation – it has an ambitious, holistic scope. It targets four key technology areas that will, together, shape a new era of aviation:

1. Hybrid and Alternative Propulsion: The initiative seeks to advance research into different propulsion systems that are less reliant on fossil fuels. Electric or hybrid systems, for example, could significantly reduce emissions and make air travel more efficient.
2. Aircraft Architecture and Systems Integration: This focuses on refining the design and integration of aircraft systems. By using lightweight materials, improving aerodynamics, and employing more efficient systems, we can reduce fuel consumption and thus, emissions.
3. Transition to Alternative Fuels: There’s a clear necessity for us to move away from fossil fuels. The aviation industry is exploring the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) – fuels created from resources like waste oils or plant material, which have a much smaller lifecycle carbon footprint compared to conventional jet fuel.
4. Aircraft Support Infrastructure and Operations: New technologies will necessitate changes in how airports operate. The INSAT aims to support improvements in operations and infrastructure, such as electrified taxiing systems or infrastructure for SAF distribution, to accommodate new aircraft technologies and fuels.

The INSAT is a glowing beacon of hope for sustainable aviation. It shows a commitment to environmental stewardship, industry advancement, and economic growth, fostering a nationwide collaboration to ensure a greener future for Canadian skies.

At Flygreen, we’re excited about the INSAT. It fuels our commitment to making private aviation more sustainable. We believe in the power of collective efforts to bring about change, and initiatives like the INSAT represent exactly that kind of shared ambition.

Stay tuned with us as we continue to follow the INSAT’s progress and explore the ways it is set to reshape the aerospace industry.