October 2-4 The Sustainable Aviation Futures North America Congress is set bring together over 600 senior leaders from across the aviation decarbonization value chain at the Marriott Marquis in Houston from October 2 to 4, 2024.
The event will focus on the technology, policy, infrastructure, and collaboration needed to achieve aviation net-zero and scale Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production by 2050, while providing unique opportunities for strategic networking and the formation of critical partnerships.
Key Topics, Themes, and Opportunities:
Organized by Sustainable Aviation Futures, the congress features a dynamic agenda, combining high-level strategic panel discussions, technical sessions, and interactive masterclasses, with best-in-class networking for connections across the aviation and energy value chain.
To facilitate the formation of new and crucial partnerships, and the re-connection of long-term collaborators, the congress features a dedicated Networking and Exhibition Zone, 1-2-1 meeting zone where participants can book a table to meet or work, and a new and improved networking app, for messaging, scheduling meetings, and seeing the latest agenda updates.
On October 2-3 the morning keynotes feature high-level exploration of topics such as the U.S. SAF Grand Challenge, SAF policy and incentives, the global aviation decarbonization landscape, and financing and investment, from speakers including:
- Rep. Mike Flood, Congressman, 1st District of Nebraska
- Courtney Unruh, SAF & Sustainability Engagement Director, Alaska Air
- Kevin Welsh, Vice President of Environment and Chief Sustainability Officer, Airlines for America
- Valerie Reed, Director, Biotechnology Office, U.S. Department of Energy
- William Hohenstein, Director, Office of Energy and Environmental Policy, U.S. Department of Agriculture
In the afternoons, attendees break out into topic-focused streams, matching their area of interest:
- Scaling SAF: Project Development, Financing, and Incentives – Exploring the financial tools and partnerships needed to accelerate SAF production.
- SAF Infrastructure and Decarbonization Logistics – Addressing the supply chain and infrastructure challenges for SAF deployment.
- eFuels, Power-to-Liquids (PtL), and Hydrogen – Examining alternative fuel technologies and their role in decarbonization.
- Future Flight and Net-Zero Technologies – Innovations in aircraft design and propulsion systems.
- Scaling SAF: Feedstock Development and Lifecycle Analysis – Discussing feedstock sustainability and lifecycle emissions analysis.
- Corporate Sustainability and ESG – Examining how SAF and aviation fits into the ESG policies of passengers and corporations.
- Green Airports and Climate Resilience – Best practices for airport sustainability and climate adaptation.
- Non-CO2 Emissions and Airline Operations – Mitigating non-CO2 impacts and improving operational efficiency.
October 4 will feature an Intelligence and Masterclass Day, offering deep dives into: Getting Your SAF to Market 101; SAF Feedstocks, Policy, Finance, and Investment; and Hydrogen, eFuels, and PtL, in highly engaging and interactive sessions led by experts.
Industry Sponsors:
Along with high-level speakers and attendees, the congress is supported by many innovative companies at the forefront of SAF and aviation decarbonization: Shell Aviation; Montana Renewables; ExxonMobil; Johnson Matthey; King & Spalding; Axens; Gevo; Honeywell UOP; Intertek Caleb Brett; KBR; LanzaJet; McDermott; Phillips 66; 1PointFive; Agra Energy; Airbus; Corys; DG Fuels; ThermoFisher Scientific; Twelve; World Energy; PA Consulting; Aether Fuels; AV Fuel; Ecovyst; Kearney; Lydian; Minnesota SAF Hub; Velocys; Bureau Veritas; AmSpec; Merrick; Burnham Sterling Asset Management; Chooose; Idaho National Laboratory; NASA; Southwest Research Institute; Vertimass; Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics
Why Houston?
As the “Energy Capital of the World,” Houston is uniquely positioned to host this landmark event, providing a nexus between the aviation and energy sectors. With its strong corporate presence, innovative research centers, and commitment to sustainability, Houston plays a key role in advancing the development and commercialization of SAF.
About Sustainable Aviation Futures
Sustainable Aviation Futures is a high-level content community with a mission to scale global SAF production and establish pathways to aviation decarbonization via a series of high-level congresses, exclusive content and in-depth training courses.
Sustainable Aviation Futures’ 2025 global portfolio of events take place in Abu Dhabi, São Paulo, Amsterdam, Houston, and Singapore.
