Carbon, contrails & cocktails
An evening with the Aviation Impact Accelerator
24 September 2026 · 16:30-19:30 | Norrsken House, Brussels
Join us for an evening exploring the future of sustainable aviation in Europe. We’ll be focusing in particular on the role of contrail avoidance in potentially halving aviation’s climate impact, and how Europe can translate growing policy attention into effective action.
Who this event is for
The event will bring together policymakers, researchers, industry representatives and others working across aviation, climate and transport policy in Europe. No prior knowledge of sustainable aviation is required. The evening is designed to make the key issues accessible, support open discussions and create opportunities to connect with professionals working across aviation, climate and policy.
Why this conversation matters
The Aviation Impact Accelerator has been working with policymakers and businesses to provide evidence-based analysis on the transition to a sustainable aviation system for several years. Working in areas such as alternative fuels, non-CO₂ effects, future aircraft fleets and system efficiency opportunities, the AIA contributed data modelling and analysis to inform the UK Government’s SAF Mandate and set out a framework for reaching net zero aviation emissions by 2050.
This is a critical moment for the sector; the actions taken now will have a disproportionate impact on our ability to achieve climate goals decades into the future. The EU has shown some encouraging leadership in this space but further policy and operational questions now need to be addressed.
This event provides an opportunity to consider how emerging evidence and examples from other jurisdictions can inform European policy and deliver practical action in one of Europe’s most difficult sectors to decarbonise.
About the evening
The evening will begin at Norrsken House Brussels with a short presentation introducing the AIA’s vision for a sustainable aviation system and the pathways identified for delivering this.
This will be followed by a panel discussion examining the opportunity of contrail avoidance in potentially halving aviation’s climate impact, with expert perspectives from policy, research and industry, followed by an open discussion.
Guests will then move to the neighbouring Flylounge Brussels for a drinks reception and a live demonstration of a contrail-avoidance flight using the venue’s full-size Airbus A319 simulator. Light snacks will also be available, along with an opportunity to meet the AIA team and network with colleagues.
The evening is intended to support informed discussion, exchange and new connections among those shaping aviation policy and practice across Europe.