University of Dubuque Professor Rajee Olaganathan Presents at Sustainable Aviation Futures Asia-Pacific Congress in Singapore

DUBUQUE, Iowa - Rajee Olaganathan, PhD, FRAeS, an aviation professor at the University of Dubuque, was among the over 80 expert speakers who presented at the inaugural Sustainable Aviation Futures Asia-Pacific Congress held in Singapore in early November 2024.

The Sustainable Aviation Futures Congress is the premier event focusing on the expansion of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production and the decarbonization of the aviation sector. It includes annual congresses, exclusive content, and in-depth training courses across North America, Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and the APAC region. Each event and program are developed utilizing insights from an extensive global network of industry stakeholders, expert advisory boards, and active engagement with the SAF community. These events support growth of SAF technologies and the development of actionable decarbonization plans.

The Sustainable Aviation Futures Asia-Pacific Congress, part of this global initiative, was held Monday, November 4, 2024, to Wednesday, November 6, 2024. It aimed to establish a roadmap for SAF and aviation decarbonization across East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Oceania.

"SAF congress assembles global experts and industry stakeholders to accelerate SAF development and implement decarbonization strategies effectively," Olaganathan said. "It was a privilege to speak at such a gathering as it allowed me to contribute to the cause of sustainable aviation. I shared strategic ideas and interacted with key industry leaders committed to advancing SAF technology and reducing carbon emissions. By assessing the Asia Pacific market, I discussed challenges and opportunities in SAF production and adoption, aiming to promote eco-friendly practices globally and meet regional demands effectively."

During her presentation, titled "SAF Feedstock Analysis: Availability, Supply Chain, and Sustainability Criteria in APAC and Globally," Olaganathan discussed technology pathways and feedstock availability. She shared the technologies that use cutting-edge processes to convert a variety of materials to SAF while aiming to minimize environmental impacts and reduce gas emissions. She also examined the feedstock resources - plants, waste, or renewable materials - that are most suited for producing SAF in Asia Pacific regions where there is high demand for sustainable solutions.

"Overall, this presentation focused on ways we can transition away from fossil fuels by adopting eco-friendly production techniques and employing renewable materials as aviation expands further," Olaganathan said. "The aim is to make aviation more sustainable and environmentally friendly."

A highlight for Olaganathan at the congress was seeing industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators coming together with one mission in mind - aviation sustainability.

"One particularly outstanding moment at this congress was an engaging discussion regarding new breakthroughs in SAF production, particularly those made over recent months by industry and government bodies," she said. "Witnessing rapid technological advances while hearing of robust steps being taken worldwide towards expanding SAF production was inspiring!"

Olaganathan added that she was struck by the enthusiasm of regional leaders, from policymakers to airline and corporate representatives, to learn from global best practices and apply those to SAF production and advancement.

"It is truly rewarding to contribute my insight and connections towards driving progress in aviation sustainability," Olaganathan said. "I strongly believe that by working collaboratively across sectors and regions we can make lasting impacts on aviation's journey toward decarbonization."

Photo: Sustainable Aviation Futures