Energy & Sustainability is one of three core themes of the FTE World Innovation Summit, hosted by Pittsburgh International Airport on 13-15 May 2025, alongside Advanced Technology and Future Airports.

Building on the successful collaboration between Future Travel Experience (FTE) and Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) for the Aviation & Robotics Summit in 2023 and 2024, the FTE World Innovation Summit — free for airlines and airports to attend — will bring together over 400 air transport industry innovators for a three-day interdisciplinary series of conference sessions, interactive workshops, tours of the new terminal at PIT and across key innovation sites across Pittsburgh, plus extensive networking opportunities.

Energy & Sustainability is a major focus, tackling key topics including approaches to scaling the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), electric, low carbon energy, hydrogen and more across air transport.

The FTE World Innovation Summit agenda, which can be viewed here, features key sessions focused on ‘How do we ensure air transport gets the green credentials it needs at best speed?’ — a session that will be moderated by Mary Kirby, Founder, Editor and Publisher of Runway Girl Network — and ‘What are the best approaches to scaling the use of SAF, Electric & Hydrogen across air transport?’

Plus, there will be Energy & Sustainability innovation tours across Pittsburgh, an Energy & Sustainability ‘Meet the Innovators Pitch Session’, and much more.

Among the high-level speakers are Chad Willis, Director, Planning, Environmental, & Sustainability, Allegheny County Airport Authority; John Thomas, CEO, Connect Airlines; Marion N. Chivot-Legris, Director, ESG & Sustainability Strategy, Edmonton International Airport; and Costa Samaras, Director, Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation; Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University. Here, they each share some compelling insights ahead of the event.

PIT “working to establish a new paradigm as an energy hub”

Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is a trailblazer in sustainability. Its innovations include the first-of-its-kind microgrid, powering the entire facility — including the new terminal opening this year — with natural gas and solar energy.

“Here at PIT we are working to establish a new paradigm where an airport can demonstrate that it has a role as an energy hub and not simply as a transportation hub,” says Chad Willis, Director, Planning, Environmental, & Sustainability, Allegheny County Airport Authority. “All of the users of an airport have a tremendous need for energy — electricity, hydrogen and fuels — and we believe that we can facilitate cleaner and more resilient options for those users.”

PIT is currently working with partners to build out infrastructure to produce hydrogen and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) onsite to provide clean fuel options to users. “Furthermore, we are working with partners across multiple industries to position PIT as the preeminent location to test new technology and equipment — things like alternative fuel vehicles and aircraft,” Willis explains.

At the FTE World Innovation Summit, Willis is participating in a session focused on the best approaches to scaling the use of SAF, electric & hydrogen across air transport. “We are very excited to be a part of the discussions at the FTE World Innovation Summit as these always lead to new ways of solving the industry’s problems. The message I have for the industry is that airports can absolutely be an integral partner in furthering the sustainability objectives of those that operate within its ecosystem, so let’s work together and do great things.”

Connect Airlines innovating in zero carbon technology

John Thomas, CEO, Connect Airlines, is participating in an Energy & Sustainability session at the FTE World Innovation Summit focused on ‘How do we ensure air transport gets the green credentials it needs at best speed?’

“The opportunity already exists today with the replacement of aging uneconomic 50-seat regional jets in the U.S. with existing turboprop technology in the likes of the ATR72 and Q400s,” says Thomas.

“The turboprops reduce carbon emissions by roughly 40% and can operate at significantly better economics than the 50-seat RJs. The turboprops under the Connect Airlines business model will also provide a better customer experience than current regional aircraft — for example, the leading-edge Starlink WiFi system is now certified on both the ATR72 and the Q400 that provides free gate-to-gate connectivity for passengers. Both aircraft have larger overhead bins than 50-seat regional jets and the Connect business model calls for the introduction of a premium economy product, both soft and hard, on turboprops — a world first. And all for the same block time as regional jets on the routes that we will serve.”

As an industry innovator in terms of zero carbon technology adoption, Connect Airlines believes the sweet spot in terms of alternative fuels, at least in regional aviation, is liquid hydrogen that powers an electric engine through fuel cell technology. “This combination is 11 times more energy efficient than current jet engines using Jet-A,” Thomas explains.

Looking ahead to the FTE World Innovation Summit, he adds: “There is a lot of innovation in the airline industry at the moment, much of which is under the radar. So, the FTE World Innovation Summit provides a great opportunity to better understand what is going on.”

YEG pioneering hydrogen and new clean technology applications

Edmonton International Airport (YEG) believes in developing the airport as an energy hub. Its approach is pragmatic — supporting Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) while actively pioneering hydrogen and new clean technology applications.

“We are engaging with suppliers and airlines to ensure future availability and feasibility for our region,” says Marion N. Chivot-Legris, Director, ESG & Sustainability Strategy, Edmonton International Airport. “For example, in our efforts to advance low-carbon energy, we are working closely with partners — airlines and ground handlers — to support the transition to electric ground operations.”

YEG works closely with the key Edmonton Metropolitan Region’s players on the regional Hydrogen Hub. The Edmonton Region Hydrogen HUB (ERH2) has recently relaunched, further solidifying the Edmonton Region as Canada’s leader in hydrogen innovation.

“We are actively integrating hydrogen into our ecosystem through the whole value chain, starting from ground vehicles to exploring infrastructure development or hydrogen light- or heavy-duty vehicles, to be ready for hydrogen application in aviation,” Chivot-Legris explains.

YEG is a trailblazer in sustainability, including plans for the world’s largest solar farm at an airport, and is driving innovation across multiple areas. “Alongside our hydrogen initiatives, we are continuously upgrading airport facilities — improving lighting, HVAC and overall energy efficiency to reduce consumption,” says Chivot-Legris. “These efforts are essential to our decarbonization strategy.”

Looking ahead, Chivot-Legris is participating in an Energy & Sustainability session at the FTE World Innovation Summit focused on the best approaches to scaling the use of SAF, electric & hydrogen across air transport. “I can’t wait to connect with global leaders and dive into real, actionable solutions for aviation’s energy transition. Events like this aren’t just about ideas — they’re about making things happen! It’s a chance to collaborate, spark new partnerships and push the industry forward. So, don’t miss out — join the conversation, share your insights and help shape the future of sustainable aviation!”

Carnegie Mellon University: “Now is the time for leadership to ensure that the future of air transport is clean and carbon neutral”

Costa Samaras, Director, Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation; Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), is participating in an Energy & Sustainability session at the FTE World Innovation Summit focused on ‘How do we ensure air transport gets the green credentials it needs at best speed?’

“There is a huge opportunity for clean energy innovation in the air transport sector. Now is the time for leadership to ensure that the future of air transport is clean and carbon neutral,” Samaras explains.

“I’m so excited about the great work the Scott Institute and CMU is doing to deliver energy and climate solutions. These are the technologies, systems, and policies that will tackle climate change, and make energy clean, affordable, reliable, and resilient.”

Looking ahead, Samaras is eager to participate in the FTE World Innovation Summit.

“Pittsburgh International Airport has been a global leader in energy innovation and resilience. We’re proud to collaborate to help translate the latest research into practice for Sustainable Aviation Fuel technology pathways, energy resilience, and more,” says Samaras.

“Pittsburgh is a city of innovators and problem solvers. Gathering global leaders from the air transport industry in Pittsburgh for the FTE World Innovation Summit provides an opportunity to help write the future of this important industry.”

FTE World Innovation Summit agenda now live! Cutting-edge sessions, interactive workshops, innovation tours & much more

The agenda for the FTE World Innovation Summit, taking place at Pittsburgh International Airport on 13-15 May 2025, is now live. Highlights include exclusive guided tours of PIT’s groundbreaking new terminal ahead of its grand opening, plus curated innovation tours across Pittsburgh showcasing companies at the forefront of technology and sustainability. Keynotes include Sean Doyle, CEO of British Airways; Bernadette Berger, Director of Innovation at Alaska Airlines; and John Thornton, CEO of Astrobotic. Three dynamic conference tracks — Advanced Technology, Energy & Sustainability, and Future Airports — will feature insights from MAG, Frontier Airlines, CMU, Fraport, Connect Airlines, Edmonton International Airport, Noida International Airport, Heathrow, Munich Airport International, Gensler and more. Even more exciting content will be added in the lead-up to the event.

Find out more and register for the FTE World Innovation Summit here.