Airbus initiates research project on greenhouse gas emissions from aircraft, collaborating with Canadian aeronautics industry associates
The global aerospace giant, Airbus, has announced the launch of a new project named CRYSTAL. This innovative initiative aims to measure non-CO2 emissions from sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and assess their impact on contrail formation.
The CRYSTAL project, one of the key projects under Espace Aero - the first official Quebec aerospace innovation zone project this year, will be conducted using the A220 flight test aircraft. This aircraft is significant as it is the only Airbus commercial aircraft programme to be piloted outside of Europe, making Canada the most significant official presence of Airbus outside of Europe.
The project will consist of two phases: ground tests, which are planned to commence in Q3 2025, and flight tests in 2027. Both phases will operate on Jet A-1 and 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to study the effects on emissions and contrail properties, and the associated climate impacts.
The ground tests will take place at Airbus' Mirabel site in Canada, the A220 Programme headquarters. Airbus in Canada employs over 4,500 people at ten sites and offices, covering various sectors including commercial airliners, helicopters, defence, and space.
Airbus' efforts to reduce non-CO2 emissions and its decarbonisation roadmap can be found online. The company is committed to supporting the aviation industry's efforts to research on non-CO2 emissions.
The CRYSTAL project is not a new concept for Airbus. Similar initiatives, such as VOLCAN and ECLIF3, have been undertaken using the A350 aircraft families in Europe.
The project includes expertise from key Canadian players such as Polytechnique Montréal, École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS) and FSM Management Group. The collaboration demonstrates Airbus' and the global and local aerospace industry's willingness to join forces to better understand aviation emissions, so that they can be addressed in the most effective manner in the future.
Increasing the scientific data to further understand the formation of non-CO2 emissions is key for the industry to understand their effects, according to Catherine Guillemart, Head of Public Affairs and Sustainability, Canada, Airbus. The project's ultimate goal is to provide authoritative data for aviation environmental policy and climate impact mitigation strategies, specifically targeting the comprehensive climate effects of sustainable fuels beyond just CO2 reductions.
To stay updated on the CRYSTAL project, Airbus Summit, contrails, A220, and Canada-related activities, follow Airbus on Twitter at @Airbus. The #AirbusSummit hashtag can also be used to follow discussions and updates related to the Airbus Summit. For more detailed information about Airbus' presence in Canada and its operations, visit their official website.
The YMX International Aerocity of Mirabel airport, managed by Aéroports de Montréal, will support this collaboration. Airbus has been active in Canada for over 40 years, contributing to approximately 23,000 indirect jobs and generating over C$ 2 billion in revenues annually for more than 850 Canadian companies.
The CRYSTAL project is a significant step towards a more sustainable aviation future, as it focuses on understanding the complex effects of sustainable fuels on non-CO2 emissions and their impact on contrail formation. By addressing these gaps in knowledge, Airbus hopes to contribute to more informed decisions about SAF implementation to minimize contrail-related warming.
The CRYSTAL project, a collaborative initiative between Airbus and key Canadian players, aims to use technology to study the effects of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on emissions and contrail properties, and the associated climate impacts. This project is significant as it will be conducted using the A220 flight test aircraft, a program that Airbus' global presence is most notably represented outside Europe.
Airbus' CRYSTAL project, which includes expertise from institutions like Polytechnique Montréal and École de technologie suпеrieure (ÉTS), is a testament to the company's commitment to utilizing technology for research on non-CO2 emissions and supporting the aviation industry's efforts towards a more sustainable future.
