Introduction

This course explores the rapidly evolving landscape of aviation energy, focusing on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), Low Carbon Aviation Fuel (LCAF), and emerging alternatives such as hydrogen and electric propulsion.

Participants will gain insight into production pathways, regulatory frameworks, environmental impacts, and industry adoption strategies. Ideal for aviation professionals, engineers, and sustainability leaders, this course equips participants with the competencies needed to support the transition toward low-carbon aviation.

The training course focuses on introducing of energy sources for air transport that would be different than conventional kerosene - one of the few elements  that has remained unchanged throughout aviation history. To secure fuel supply at affordable costs and reduce environmental impact, solutions like hydrogen and electricity can provide alternatives to conventional fuels, alongside Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and Low Carbon Aviation Fuels (LCAF).

Learners will acquire knowledge on the availability and potential of drop-in fuels such as SAF and LCAF, as well as non-drop-in fuels, which are not compatible with existing aircraft and engine technologies and will require major changes in production, transportation, storage and refuelling procedures, including risk management ones, both on ground and in flight (this is the case hydrogen and electricity). The course will cover these fuels from the definition, characteristics, composition, production pathways, storage, transportation and usage.

Hydrogen and electricity can be considered as solutions for small aircraft modules on short and medium range operations. For instance, hydrogen can be used in two main applications: direct aircraft propulsion, where hydrogen is burned in gas turbines (similar to current architecture) and/or in fuel cell technologies, where hydrogen is converted into electricity to feed electric motors, propellers/fans. Hydrogen can also be combined with captured CO2 to produce e-fuels (or PtL for Power-to-Liquid), one of the most promising sources of alternative fuels for aviation (competing with the direct use of H2). The resulting product is a drop-in fuel classified as SAF and can be used in conventional aircraft and engines.

The course will provide fundamental knowledge on the characteristics of SAF, LCAF and cleaner energies sources, with a strong focus on risk management across all phases of their use (well to wake). It will also emphasize the needs for additional research, test trials and certification processes. Finally, the course will present the latest commitments and roadmaps from industry stakeholders, policy-makers, NGOs and energy providers.

Course Content

• Foundations of Aviation Energy & Sustainability
  • Fundamentals of aviation energy use and its environmental impact.
  • Context for decarbonization, including aviation emissions, climate change drivers, and global net-zero goals (made by industry and regulators).
  • Conventional jet fuel characteristics
  • Introduction to the need for alternative energy sources such as SAF, LCAF, hydrogen, and electric propulsion.

 

• Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Depth
• Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF):definition, production pathways, feedstocks, and certification standards (for performance and sustainability criteria).
• Development, approval and use of SAF in aviation operations.
• Potential impact on the performance of aircraft and engine using new energy sources.
• Environmental benefits: lifecycle emissions analysis and real-world performance comparisons.

 

• LCAF & Regulatory Frameworks
• Low Carbon Aviation Fuel (LCAF) and their role in near-term emissions reduction.
• Difference between LCAF and SAF
• Measurement and regulation of carbon intensity
• key international regulatory frameworks, including ICAO CORSIA and EU aviation sustainability policies, and the role of aviation authorities.

 

• Alternative Energy Systems in Aviation
• Emerging aviation energy technologies beyond SAF and LCAF.
• Hydrogen-powered aviation, electric and hybrid-electric aircraft, and synthetic fuels such as power-to-liquid (e-fuels).
• Comparison of advantages, limitations, and future potential of each technology in supporting aviation decarbonization.

 

• Operations, Safety & Industry Application
• Practical implementation: focus on operational and safety considerations related to alternative fuels, including handling, infrastructure, and aircraft compatibility.
• Industry case studies highlighting real-world adoption, followed by strategic discussions on net-zero aviation pathways, organizational implementation, and future trends.
• Availability and associated costs of each type of alternative energy source.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Explain the principles of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), Low Carbon Aviation Fuel (LCAF), and other cleaner energy sources in aviation, in order to secure fuel supply and associated environmental challenges for a continuous growth of air traffic.
• Identify different fuel types, feedstocks, production pathways, and their environmental impacts.
• Describe relevant regulatory frameworks and industry standards related to performance and sustainability (ASTM, ICAO sustainability criteria).
• Apply best practices for the safe handling, storage, and use of alternative energy sources.
• Analyze the operational and safety implications of integrating SAF, LCAF, and emerging cleaner energy technologies into operations for aviation.
• Evaluate strategies for reducing aviation emissions and supporting decarbonization goals, such as net-zero emissions in 2050.
• assess organizational approaches to adopting alternative fuels and technologies.
• Support organizational decision-making related to sustainable aviation initiatives.
• Identify all existing and new stakeholders having a key role in the development of these new cleaner energies.
• Identify the regulatory and finance needs.

Who should take this course

• OEMs for the production of new aircraft and engines, capable of flying with direct H2 combustion, and/or to enable higher percentage of blend for SAF and LCAF:

-        Engine propulsion experts

-        Systems design and production

-        Materials experts

-        Aircraft design experts (tanks, systems, …)

-        Performance experts (payload, range, loads…)

-        Engine emissions experts

• Cockpit and cabin crew to understand the differences between flying on SAF, LCAF, H2 and electric-powered aircraft and flying with conventional fuel, in normal and degraded conditions, including safety and emergency conditions.
• Ground handling services:

-        flight dispatcher

-        load controllers,

-        passenger and baggage handling experts,

-        freight and mail handling experts,

-        aircraft servicing technicians,

-        loading of catering experts,

-        fuelling specialists,

-        ground supervisors

 

• Air traffic management: communications with crew (in flight and on-ground) in particular to minimize and manage hazards and risks.

 

• Regulatory and Safety Officials working with aviation fuel systems.

 

• Hydrogen Technology Specialists focusing on storage, distribution, and infrastructure.

Pre-requisites

Entry requirements: None

Desirable: relevant work experience in the field including familiarity with the H2 constraints. 

Duration

5 days, starting at 09:00 and ending at 17:00