Sustainable aviation fuel now deemed safe for children usage
In an exciting new episode, the Airbus Foundation's Discovery Space program introduces children aged 8 to 12 to the concept of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in the latest instalment of the "Future of the Skies" series.
This episode, titled "Flying to a Sustainable Future," offers four animated videos that explain key topics through characters children already know from previous episodes. The series is available in four languages: German, English, French, and Spanish.
SAF is a proven alternative fuel that can reduce CO2 emissions from aircraft and helicopters throughout their lifecycle compared to conventional fuel. Rachel Schroeder, Managing Director of the Airbus Foundation, states that the series shows how scientific progress can be explained using simple examples from daily life.
One of the key benefits of SAF is its substantial GHG emission reductions. SAF can reduce lifecycle CO2 emissions by around 40% to over 80% compared to traditional fossil jet fuel, depending on the feedstock and production pathway used.
SAF is compatible with existing engines and infrastructure, enabling airlines to decarbonize immediately without waiting for new technologies or fleets. This "drop-in" capability is crucial, as SAF is considered by international aviation bodies, such as ICAO and IATA, as the most promising near- and mid-term solution to significantly reduce aviation emissions.
Despite these benefits, SAF production remains limited globally, covering less than 1% of jet fuel demand due to high costs and supply constraints. However, expanding SAF production and adoption is critical to achieve international aviation climate goals and significantly mitigate the sector’s carbon impact.
The episode also includes two activities that can be done alone or with an adult, and educators can use the content to give new impulses to their science lessons and convey the importance of MINT subjects. The Airbus Foundation aims to inspire children's imagination with content that makes them think about important challenges of our time.
In the final episode, children learn how SAF is made. The Airbus Foundation believes that this will motivate children to engage with science, the environment, and climate change. Parents can use the contents to engage with the topic after school or integrate it into family leisure time, promoting careers in science and technology.
[1] ICAO, "Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA)," 2021. [2] IATA, "Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)," 2021. [3] Airbus, "Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)," 2021. [4] European Commission, "Aviation Strategy for Europe," 2021. [5] International Energy Agency, "Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)," 2021.
- The episode "Flying to a Sustainable Future" by the Airbus Foundation's Discovery Space program introduces environmental science concepts, specifically Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), in a child-friendly manner.
- SAF, a proven alternative fuel, can significantly reduce CO2 emissions from aircraft and helicopters throughout their lifecycle as compared to conventional fuel, making it a key component in tackling climate-change related issues.
- By using relatable examples from daily life, the series demonstrates how advances in science can contribute to sustainable living and redirect attention towards critical issues such as environmental science and climate change.
- The home-and-garden, as well as lifestyle, can play a significant role in promoting understanding and support for sustainable living, as education on technologies like SAF can inspire curiosity and potentially lead to careers in science and technology.
