The path to sustainable aviation is uncharted, complex, and filled with challenges yet to be solved – but it is precisely these unknowns that make the journey so important. There has never been a more exciting time to help shape a decarbonized and less polluting aviation future. In this second edition of this Flying Vision Accelerator backed Thesis Lab you will work on this challenge with established stakeholders as well as pioneers in the sector: Airbus, NLR, and more.
The aviation sector has made important contributions to society and the global economy over the past century. However, as air traffic has grown, so has its environmental impact. CO₂ emissions from aviation have more than doubled since the mid-1990s. The sector is now one of the fastest growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions contributing to global climate change, and the sector's growth is estimated to continue, especially in the upcoming economies.
This Thesis Lab will serve as a platform to inspire collaboration within the aviation sector. You will carry out your own thesis project in collaboration with one of our case holders in the Flying Vision Accelerator project: Airbus, NLR and other partners. Next to that you will join a mandatory 12-session bi-weekly program between January and July 2027. Together with other students and the aviation sector, you will develop multidisciplinary insights that accelerate the transition to sustainable aviation.
Main Challenge
How can the aerospace industry reduce its impact on the environment?
Case Holders
Flying Vision Accelerator stimulates collaboration across the sector and brings together multidisciplinary perspectives to accelerate the transition to sustainable aviation. Flying Vision is a project within the Aviation in Transition program, a Dutch Growth Fund initiative worth over €370 million aiming to achieve climate-neutral aviation by 2050. By developing shared visions and dynamic roadmaps, the project supports both the sector and policymakers. Flying Vision is an initiative of Delft University of Technology, Airbus, Schiphol Group, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and the Royal NLR.
Airbus is a leader in designing, manufacturing and delivering aerospace products, services and solutions to customers on a worldwide scale. As the largest aeronautics and space company in Europe, Airbus designs, produces and delivers innovative solutions with the aim to create a better-connected, safer and more prosperous world.
NLR is the connecting link between science, industry and government for the aerospace sector. It supports the sector by developing and applying advanced technologies for innovative products and applications. NLR aims to make aerospace more sustainable, safer, more efficient, and more effective.
Interesting reads
the-power-of-collaboration-lde-ko-article-final.pdf
Fuelling Change: lessons from the Thesis Lab Green Skies | Centre for Sustainability
Circulaerospace (Lab 23/24) | Centre for Sustainability
Interdisciplinary Thesis Lab 2022-2023: Circulaerospace | Centre for Sustainability
Interdisciplinary Thesis Lab 2021-2022: Circular Aviation | Centre for Sustainability