This project coordinates the £30M UK Aviation Non-CO2 Research Programme to improve understanding of aviation’s non-CO鈧� impacts and develop mitigation strategies through scientific, technological and policy collaboration.
  • Dates01 Dec 2025 to 31 Mar 2028
  • SponsorDepartment for Transport (DfT); Department for Business and Trade (DBT); Natural Environment Research Council (NERC); Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI)
  • PartnersDepartment for Transport (DfT); Department for Business and Trade (DBT); Natural Environment Research Council (NERC); Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI)

The Aviation Non-CO2 Research Programme, launched in October 2023 by the DfT, NERC and DBT in partnership with the ATI, supports both academic and industry research. This project provides programme coordination, bringing together climate scientists, aerospace and aviation experts, industry partners and policymakers across the UK. It strengthens relationships between funded projects, identifies opportunities for added value, and supports research into how NOx emissions, contrails and other non-CO鈧� effects influence climate, alongside realistic mitigation options.

The coordination team provides strategic direction, integrates findings to offer higher-level insights, and facilitates engagement with government (especially DfT and DBT), industry, NGOs and international experts. Activities include workshops, annual meetings, cross-project synthesis and policy-facing assessments. The project aims to deliver evidence that informs operational, technological and regulatory decisions, supporting the UK’s transition to lower-impact aviation.