PACIFIC project to assess impact of non-CO2 emissions from aviation

Studies have found that Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) could reduce soot particles and contrail ice crystals, but additional information on fuel composition and its processing in the engine is necessary to better understand the effects and benefits of SAF.

Along with a consortium of 10 European partners, PACIFIC (Particle emissions, Air Quality and Climate Impact related to Fuel Composition and Engine Cycle) aims to bridge the gap in understanding aviation's non-CO2 emissions by testing a range of fuels under controlled conditions.

The project is expected to ensure consistency in combustion parameters and hardware similarity from lab-scale experiments at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) to full aircraft engine tests at Airbus Toulouse.

The research will focus on understanding how soot forms during fuel combustion, using improved prediction tools to better anticipate its presence in engine emissions. It will also analyse the quantity of fine particles released at different engine power levels, refining methods to estimate their impact from ground tests to real flight conditions.

Another key aspect is assessing how these particles contribute to ice crystal formation, a major factor in contrail development, using advanced measurement techniques. 

Finally, the project will evaluate the broader climate effects of these emissions by examining how different fuel compositions and engine settings influence contrail formation and properties, and their impact on global warming.

Airbus said the project ‘will ultimately help define new fuel specifications aimed at reducing aviation’s climate and air quality impact while reinforcing Europe’s leadership in sustainable aeronautics.’

In a statement, Airbus CTO Sabine Klauke said: "Addressing aviation's non-CO2 emissions is critical in our journey toward truly sustainable flight. Through collaborative science-based approaches and innovative technologies, we're committed to minimising these effects while maintaining operational efficiency.

“The PACIFIC project will quantify and measure the non-CO2 emissions emitted from various SAF compositions. Using an innovative ground experiment process, we will be able to replicate conditions without delay and repeat them if needed. We look forward to the results of this multi-year project."