Showcasing ZENITIA Research at the SESAR Green Deal Flagship Workshop

On 13 October 2026, the ZENITIA project participated in the Green Deal Flagship Workshop at the SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking (SJU) premises in Brussels, joining stakeholders and researchers to exchange knowledge on innovative solutions supporting more sustainable aviation.

During the workshop, ZENITIA presented its research on the safe and efficient integration of next-generation aircraft and fuels into Europe’s air transport system, with a focus on maximising environmental benefits. The project’s poster highlighted its approach to assessing the environmental impacts of hydrogen, battery-electric, hybrid-electric and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)-powered aircraft, and developing solutions to support their integration into future aviation operations.

Download the presented poster:

ZENITIA_Poster_SESAR_GreenDeal_2026.pdf

Download PDF • 941KB

Advancing the environmental assessment of next-generation aviation

The transition towards climate-neutral aviation requires a better understanding of the environmental impacts of emerging aircraft technologies and fuels. While these innovations offer opportunities to reduce aviation’s climate footprint, their effects on CO₂ emissions, non-CO₂ impacts and air quality must be assessed to support informed decisions.

ZENITIA aims to address these challenges by developing high-fidelity environmental impact models for current and emerging aircraft and fuels, covering CO₂ emissions, non-CO₂ effects such as contrails, nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) and water vapour, as well as air quality.

Building on these models, the project will develop gate-to-gate planning tools and advanced deep reinforcement learning (DRL) frameworks to optimise the integration and management of mixed fleets in airport and air traffic operations. Deep-learning models and an AI-driven decision-support platform will support the real-time assessment of future aviation scenarios, helping stakeholders evaluate pathways towards 2050.

Through open models and datasets, a public dashboard, and regulatory, operational and policy guidance, ZENITIA aims to provide science-based evidence for integrating next-generation aircraft and fuels safely and efficiently, while supporting Europe’s transition towards climate-neutral aviation.