ALI’s Global Aviation Sustainability day – Lewis Dowie

Hi there! I’m Lewis, a second-year student at DCU studying Aviation Management with Pilot Studies. I’m excited to share my recent experience of attending ALI’s Global Aviation Sustainability day, my very first conference and panel discussion. I hope to inspire and encourage people to attend a conference because it was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had, both personally and as a student. I want to thank Professor Marina Efthymiou for the invite and Aircraft Leasing Ireland for hosting.

Initially, I hesitated at the idea. I thought it would be too formal, too intimidating, and, like many people, assumed it might feel like just another lecture. But I couldn’t have been more wrong! The experience opened up so many opportunities, gave me fresh perspectives and helped me grow my network. Most importantly, it made me feel closer than ever to achieving my dream career in aviation. I was completely captivated, and I left the conference full of new questions and pages of notes (you should have seen how much I wrote!).

One of the highlights of the conference for me was a presentation by Paul Williams, a professor in atmospheric science at Reading University, England. He discussed the undeniable reality of climate change (shocking, I know) but supported his claims with compelling evidence that emphasized the urgent need for action.

A few key facts stood out to me (though I wish I could share them all). For instance, the jet stream has increased in strength by 10%, leading to record-breaking transatlantic flight times, cutting flights from 6 hours to just under 5 hours in some cases. This is driven by the more rapid warming of air in the south compared to the north, creating stronger temperature differences.

However, this phenomenon has a downside. Increased headwinds are making westbound flights longer, resulting in higher fuel consumption and even unscheduled fuel stops. Additionally, rising sea levels are projected to reduce airport capacity by 30% and put 100 airports at risk if global temperatures rise to 2°C. Events like large-scale flooding, once considered “once-in-500-year” occurrences, are now happening twice a decade, with devastating consequences, such as the severe flooding recently seen in Valencia, Spain.

Several presentations at the conference changed my perspective on sustainability in the aviation industry. One that stood out was by Jeff Engler, who discussed the increasing likelihood that the manufacturing duopoly of Airbus and Boeing could be disrupted. As the need for technological innovation in sustainability grows, he suggested we might see new key players emerge, particularly from China.

Mun Ching Yap of AirAsia highlighted the critical need for education about climate change and related policies in developing regions, particularly around initiatives like CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) and SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel). She explained that AirAsia is actively educating governments in Asia about these policies, as many officials have limited knowledge of them. This lack of awareness risks leaving these regions behind in the global push toward Net Zero.

These insights taught me two valuable lessons: first, that achieving Net Zero by 2050 requires global harmonization through education and coordinated action; and second, that shifting market dynamics and new competition could bring fresh innovation and opportunities, but also challenges.

On the networking side, I was fortunate to meet not only Professor Paul Williams but also Brian Moran, Boeing’s Chief Sustainability Officer. It was incredible to engage with such experts. Naturally, I had questions, so I asked how they prepare for events like this and what skills are most useful.

Their advice was similar: be passionate and let it show, because that enthusiasm demonstrates you genuinely care. They also stressed the importance of being as knowledgeable as possible. While you can’t predict every question or comment, confidence and a solid knowledge base allow you to adapt and improvise effectively.

I also had the chance to connect with students from other years, especially final-year students, who shared their experiences. They gave us insights into preparing for assignments, gaining work experience, and their aspirations for the future.

This was an incredible experience, and I can’t recommend it enough. The knowledge I gained proved invaluable, not just for my sustainability assignment but for other coursework as well. Beyond that, it boosted my confidence,helping me overcome my fear of asking questions, even if I wasn’t sure of the answers.

Since attending the conference, I’ve found myself asking more questions in lectures and engaging in deeper discussions. The knowledge I gained made lectures easier to understand and more engaging.

Attending the conference solidified my desire to pursue a career in sustainable aviation. It shaped my mindset, brought clarity to my goals, and helped me embrace the reality that I’ll soon be working in the aviation industry. One day, I even hope to return to a similar conference, not as an attendee, but as a speaker sharing my own expertise.