Aviation Twin Transition Cluster Event: Future Aviation Economy Panel

Below you will find the abstracts and full videos of the presentations made during "Showcasing Digital Leadership Panel" at the Aviation Twin Transition Cluster Event held in Athens on July 29-30. To see all of the different panels held, click here.

What do users want from tools addressing sustainability in aviation and UAM?

Speaker: Anna Palaiologk (Founder of Future Needs, RefMap project, ImAFUSA Project)

Abstract

In this session, we present the results of what the market expects from innovative tools aiming to make the aviation and drone industries sustainable. A massive pool of senior stakeholders and potential users has been interviewed under activities of the Horizon Europe project RefMap. Users rated features and functionalities they prioritise in a platform aimed at emissions reduction, noise mitigation, air quality improvement, and optimisation of flight trajectories.

Participants of this session will gain an in-depth understanding of which operational and environmental performance goals users prioritise. To enhance participants’ engagement in the session, they will be invited to rate certain features themselves via a live poll during the session.

Participants will also be presented with visual simulations of use of the most popular features of the platform and be invited to check out the rest of the features at the booth of the project at the expo.

Emphasising a user-centred and stakeholder-driven approach, the session will offer practical insights into aligning technological innovation with market needs, regulatory requirements, and sustainability objectives. Attendees will explore how collaborative design processes can accelerate the adoption of sustainable technologies and contribute to a more efficient, environmentally responsible aviation ecosystem. To increase data transparency and results credibility, participants will be informed of the methods used to gather and analyse stakeholder input.

This session is designed for industry professionals, policymakers, researchers and innovators involved in sustainable aviation, urban air mobility, and environmental technology development.

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Evaluating accessibility and welfare in Urban Air Mobility Integration,

Speaker: Kyriaki Daskaloudi (Future Needs, ImAFUSA project)

Abstract

How can cities evaluate the impact of Innovative Air Mobility (IAM) on people’s lives? This presentation introduces two decision-support tools developed by Future Needs in the context of the SESAR 3 JU-funded ImAFUSA project: an Accessibility Tool and a Welfare Impact Tool, designed to help urban and transport planners assess the spatial and socioeconomic implications of IAM integration.

The Accessibility Tool focuses on two key indicators showing how access to IAM hubs varies across the urban area and revealing spatial mismatches between where people live and where jobs are located. These indicators help identify underserved zones and demonstrate the potential of IAM to improve access equity.

The Welfare Tool models how IAM affects broader economic conditions using two indicators capturing how proximity to IAM infrastructure might influence property values and reflecting productivity gains linked to increased connectivity. These indicators are grounded in urban economic theory and support scenario-based planning.

The development of these tools builds on recent research extending the SUAMI framework for sustainable IAM assessment by integrating selected indicators from the SUMI framework. While this research provides the conceptual foundation, the presentation focuses on how these insights are applied in practice to create actionable tools for decision-makers.

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APU usage monitoring through AI to reduce emissions and costs,

Speaker: Petros Masouridis (WaltR)

Abstract

WaltR is collaborating with Group ADP to pioneer a groundbreaking solution for air quality and CO2 management at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport.

Leveraging advanced multi-optical technology combined with Iand real-time data transmission, WaltR’s system automatically detects APU usage and monitors aircraft emissions, delivering critical insights to reduce environmental impact. By integrating with ADP’s data infrastructure, this partnership aims to enhance air quality management and optimize energy consumption, fostering a more sustainable airport operation.

With WaltR’s innovative approach, airports are setting new standards in environmental responsibility and operational efficiency, reinforcing commitments to sustainability and innovation in airport management.

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What impact do quotas for green fuels in aviation have on the ramp-up of a global hydrogen economy?

Speaker: Dr. Stefan Kaufmann (DLR German Aerospace Center)

Abstract

This presentation explores how binding quotas for sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) influence the decarbonization of air transport and contribute to the broader development of a global hydrogen economy. It examines the potential for cross-sectoral learning—particularly from aviation to shipping—and analyzes the effects of green fuel quotas on international production and market dynamics of SAF, green methanol, and green ammonia.

Key questions include the competitiveness of producing countries, the willingness to pay from major players like Maersk, and the feasibility of organizing global supply chains. The discussion also touches on political frameworks, industry reactions, technological readiness for fuel cell aircraft, and the prospects for long-haul hydrogen-powered flights before 2045.

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ImAFUSA is a founding member of the Aviation Twin Transition (ATT) Cluster alongside the Refmap Project. The ATT Cluster Event took place on 29 and 30 July, 2025, in Athens, Greece bringing together experts, industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers to discuss challenges and opportunities in the green and digital transitions in aviation and urban air mobility.

To see all the panels held during the event click here.

For more about the Aviation Twin Transition Cluster, click here.