Pierre-Alain Lambert is in charge of the Safran global Research and Technology Roadmaps portfolio, and is also leading the Safran Hydrogen program, for both combustion-based and fuel cell applications. He has 33 years of experience in the aerospace propulsion sector, and has held various positions, in particular in research and technology for advanced aircraft concepts and energy systems, and in the development of the Ariane space launcher liquid propulsion systems. He has a degree in Aerospace Engineering and a PhD in Energetics from Ecole Centrale de Paris.

Day 1: Wednesday January 14th | 10:00 – 10:30

Title: 
Challenges and Opportunities for the Energy Transition of Aviation

Abstract
Since the early 2010s, the aviation sector has set out a clearer decarbonization trajectory for 2050, with energy efficiency, operational optimization, and new fuels as key pillars. Yet long-term uncertainties persist: the next generation of short- and medium-haul aircraft is limited by a technological plateau and mainly incremental innovations. Projecting beyond this, the pathway for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) remains unclear, and the development of hydrogen faces significant challenges, while other market segments lag behind. The year 2025 marks a pivotal moment, expanding the focus from decarbonization to broader sustainability concerns, especially given the high metal intensity of alternatives to fossil fuels. Meanwhile, competitiveness is strained, driving a need for greater reindustrialization, much as seen in the automotive sector, where environmental targets have sometimes led to reduced competitiveness. Shifting geopolitical realities underline the increased importance of sovereignty, resilience, recyclability, circular economy practices, and energy independence. Addressing these challenges calls for seizing every opportunity, including dual-use applications, synergies with other modes of transport, and value creation across the entire product lifecycle.