Keynote Speaker
Florian Allroggen
Dr. Allroggen is the Executive Director of MIT’s Laboratory for Aviation and the Environment and of MIT’s Zero Impact Aviation Alliance.
His research brings together Transport Economics, Environmental Economics, and related research questions in Energy Economics. In his recent work, he focuses on understanding the transition of transportation towards sustainable solutions. He develops and applies methods for techno-economic and lifecycle assessments, policy analyses, cost-benefit analysis, and market response modeling. Recent areas of focus include assessments of alternative energy carriers for aviation and observation-based measures for mitigating contrails.
Dr. Allroggen is a nominated expert to the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection, particularly the Fuels Task Group and the Long-Term Aspirational Goal Task Group.
Originally from Germany, he received a B.S. and Doctor in (Transport) Economics (PhD equiv.) from Münster University.
Keynote 3: Envisioning Commercial Air Transportation with Near-Zero Environmental Impacts – a Techno-economic Perspective
Wednesday, January 15th
14:30 – 15:15 | HG F 30 | Audi Max
Abstract:
To meet ambitious environmental goals while continuing to connect the world, the air transportation sector needs to increase the level of ambition in mitigating its environmental impacts. This talk outlines what an air transportation system with near-zero impact on global warming and air pollution could look like. It derives goals for emissions mitigation from an assessment of environmental impacts. Each goal is connected to new technologies and operational measures for targeted mitigation. The analysis concludes by providing insights into the technical feasibility and economic viability of the resulting air transportation system which can achieve near-zero environmental impacts by integrating these technologies. The findings are assessed in a techno-economic framework which weighs changes in the cost of operating aircraft against the environmental benefits of the proposed system. The talk further provides an outlook on how the transition costs could be covered.
Panel 2: What is best for short and medium range transportation?
Wednesday, January 15th
15:00 – 16:30 | HG F 30 | Audi Max
Moderator: Piero Colonna (TU Delft)
Panelists: Florian Allroggen (MIT), Scott Cary (NREL), Naoki Seki (IHI), Vince Sidwell (Pratt &Whitney), Fabian Donus (MTU)
Abstract:
The civil aviation segment focused on short- and medium-range missions (500–1000 km) is expected to grow very rapidly in many regions of the world, reaching unprecedented levels. While high-speed rail offers clear advantages in terms of reducing global warming emissions, the significant costs and extended timelines required for infrastructure development and commissioning present substantial challenges. Adding to the complexity are economic factors, as well as local and global political dynamics, which further complicate decision-making.
This panel session does not aim to discuss all aspects of this multifaceted issue but seeks to provide critical insights through expert perspectives and illustrative examples. Panelists will explore the trade-offs, challenges, and opportunities, helping to shed some light on what might be the most sustainable and practical solutions, depending on boundary conditions.
