Shaping the future of flight | Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics

by Ethan Park and Claire Mastrangelo

The air transport sector faces complex challenges, from meeting its commitment to net-zero emissions by the year 2050, to addressing a global shortage of talent at all levels of its workforce. Solving those challenges will require collaborations across academia, government and industry – which is why the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics (WISA) created the Sustainable Aeronautics Summit.

This annual event unites experts from a range of sectors to create a shared vision for the future of flight. On October 25, trailblazers from across Canada and overseas will explore innovations across the three pillars of sustainability – economic, environmental, and social – with fellow champions including renowned Waterloo alumni and professors.

Commander Chris Hadfield to deliver keynote address

Commander Chris Hadfield (DSc ’14), an honourary alum and advisor to WISA, will give the keynote address at the Summit. Drawing on experiences from his distinguished career, he will reflect on aviation and aeronautics as a force for good, and the critical role of sustainability in the sector’s long-term success.

Referred to as “the most famous astronaut since Neil Armstrong,” Commander Hadfield became a household name as the first Canadian commander of the International Space Station. The decorated astronaut, engineer and pilot has earned numerous awards including the Order of Canada, the Meritorious Service Cross, and the NASA Exceptional Service Medal. He is also a bestselling author of four books, a celebrated musician, and the host of two internationally acclaimed television series, including National Geographic’s One Strange Rock.  

Dr. Suzanne Kearns to launch discussions around leadership and workforce sustainability

Dr. Suzanne Kearns, the founding director of WISA, will chair panels on industry and government leadership and workforce sustainability in aviation. Dr. Kearns founded WISA to address the urgent challenges facing the air transport sector. With more than 140 members from across the University, and rich industry and government partnerships connecting research with the sector’s current needs, the rapidly growing institute is driving collaborations across a range of fields to create a sustainable future for aeronautics.

Co-chairing the leadership panel is Dr. Ibrahim Yimer, Vice-President of Transportation and Manufacturing at National Research Council Canada.

Workers next to a plane — WISA's economic pillar

Dr. Amr ElAlfy to share expertise in environmental, social, and governance reporting

Dr. Amr ElAlfy (PhD ’20), who received Waterloo’s first PhD in the School of Environment, Enterprise and Development, will chair a panel on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting and its critical role in shaping sustainable industries. Creating a unified approach to measuring sustainability could exponentially increase the impact of industries on the world. Dr. ElAlfy’s panel will explore how the air transport sector can set its own standards of ESG reporting, and how it can use those standards to ensure long-term success.

Drs. Jeremy Wang and XiaoYu Wu to discuss advances in net-zero energy

Dr. Jeremy Wang (PhD ’23), a Waterloo Engineering alum and WISA advisor, will co-chair a panel on net-zero energy transitions. The co-founder of the autonomous airline Ribbit will help to guide this conversation exploring interdisciplinary efforts across fields such as sustainable fuels, operational mitigations and hybrid-electric technologies, as well as policy and funding considerations.  

Dr. XiaoYu Wu, a Waterloo Engineering professor who studies hydrogen as an alternative fuel, will co-chair the panel. His research has applications across a wide range of fields, including aviation, aerospace, and ground transportation.

Dr. Ewa Niechwiej-Szwedo and Captain John Craig to explore human factors and training technologies

Dr. Ewa Niechwiej-Szwedo uses eye-tracking and other technologies to study pilot competency, with the goal of developing new and more effective training systems. She will co-chair a panel exploring research and industry insights into pilot training, assessment, and monitoring, and applications of new technologies to address challenges related to workforce sustainability. 

Co-chairing the panel will be Captain John Craig (BSc ’96), a Waterloo alum and Director of Training at Air Canada. With over 30 years of experience in his field, he is currently responsible for all pilot training programs at the nation’s largest airline.

Student career fair will connect employers with future talent

The Summit will also feature panels on advanced manufacturing and advanced air mobility, as well as roundtable speed sessions on topics including electric planes, training centres and government funding. A student career fair will follow the keynote address at the end of the day, allowing future leaders in aeronautics to connect with today’s sustainability champions.

With opportunities to share ideas, expand networks and explore new technologies, the Summit will offer participants new avenues to create a sustainable future for aeronautics. Join us on October 25 and shape an inspiring vision for the sector.