Editor's comment: The zero-emission mission

So how can we bridge this gap? The major aerospace OEMs don’t always have the answers and often send ‘demand signals’ to the supply chains to come forward with new skills that will help them implement the technology in the most cost-effective way. But this depends on whether the supply chain is receiving these signals and can satisfy the demand for re-skilling to support these future innovative propulsion technologies.

Cross-industry collaboration can help reduce infrastructure and production costs, and accelerate development of ‘green power’ economies. Pushing forward with the production and uptake of sustainable aviation fuels - an integral part of an aviation decarbonisation strategy - will only succeed if all industries agree on a global framework to deal with the impacts of climate change.

Meanwhile, the UK will host the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) this November. With the intention of bringing parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, reports suggest that UK government is planning so-called ‘green flights’ to take world leaders to the conference in aircraft powered by sustainable aviation fuel.

With the green agenda weighing heavy on the aviation industry, it’s clear an overhaul of the supply chain is required to re-educate our workforce. And while there are always concerns that cost will be major issue within the supply chain, it’s worth remembering that if you think the cost of education is expensive - try the cost of ignorance.

Mike Richardson, editor