ATI’s Head of Technology – Sustainability and Strategy Adam Morton shares his takeaways from AIAA AVIATION Forum 2025 last week
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The AIAA AVIATION Forum again provided a platform for considerable healthy debate on how to address the main challenges facing aviation, not least decarbonisation.
The messages from Irewole Orisamolu Associate Director, Advanced Propulsion Technologies at RTX business Pratt & Whitney echoed wider themes of the week; continued at-scale investment in fuel efficiency is essential, alongside progress on electrification, cryogenic fuels and an accelerated transition to SAF. Irewole shared how the company’s diverse propulsion technology roadmap includes advanced thermodynamic cycles, hybrid-electric architectures and hydrogen propulsion systems.
It was encouraging to be part of discussions focused on the ultra-efficient, zero-carbon and cross-cutting technology areas that make up the ATI’s Destination Zero technology strategy. The UK has a crucial role to play in the future of sustainable aviation given that wings and engines are central to enabling ultra-efficient platforms. The countries expertise in cross-cutting materials and manufacturing, together with our world-leading expertise in zero-carbon emission aircraft, will also be important.
The high-level messages were complemented by the latest breakthroughs presented in a series of technical sessions. James O’Doherty-Jennings, Advanced Technologist – Whole Aircraft, ATI, presented a technical paper on mass prediction of high aspect ratio wings alongside Whittle Laboratory co-author, Ewan Gribbin. Their new method to predict the mass and drag of very high aspect ratio wings suitable for use in conceptual design of reference aircraft, was well-received by industry and academia.
This year’s conference, ATI’s first as an AIAA corporate member also saw evidence of participants looking beyond 2050 when considering the economic and environmental ROI of technology development.
We will explore the timescales for technology development and market forecasts at this year’s ATI conference, which returns to the ICC Wales in Newport on 4th & 5th November. The conference will feature expert panels, keynote speakers and breakout sessions on accelerating technology development, advancing competitiveness and enabling technology adoption. Discover more and secure your place today.
Cover image: Sam Lee, Senior Technologist – Propulsion, ATI | James O’Doherty-Jennings, Advanced Technologist – Whole Aircraft, ATI | Ritvik Anand, Senior Technologist – Whole Aircraft, ATI | Adam Morton, Head of Technology – Strategy and Sustainability | Rich Wahls, Sustainable Flight National Partnership Mission Integration Manager, NASA | Herve Moran, Chief of Future Platforms, Rolls-Royce | Michael Drake, Chief Airplane Architect, Boeing