Why the FTE World Innovation Summit is worth your attention
The FTE World Innovation Summit (13–15 May 2025) will go well beyond PowerPoint presentations.
As net-zero targets take shape, the spotlight is shifting toward systems-level change, especially how energy is produced, distributed, and used across the air transport network. That’s why the upcoming FTE World Innovation Summit, hosted by Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) from 13–15 May 2025, is one to watch.
This tech conference is a strategic gathering of over 400 industry leaders, where Energy & Sustainability is a core theme, alongside Advanced Technology and Future Airports. The focus is on practical, scalable approaches to clean energy, resilient infrastructure, and sustainable growth in aviation. Here are some examples:
Airports stepping into new territory: from transit hubs to energy hubs
Few airports are more closely watched on energy innovation than PIT. With its own microgrid already powering the airport – soon to include the brand-new terminal – it’s now building infrastructure to support hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on-site.
“Here at PIT, we are working to establish a new paradigm where an airport can demonstrate that it has a role as an energy hub and not simply as a transportation hub,” says Chad Willis, Director of Planning, Environmental, & Sustainability, Allegheny County Airport Authority. “All of the users of an airport have a tremendous need for energy – electricity, hydrogen and fuels – and we believe that we can facilitate cleaner and more resilient options for those users.”
PIT is also working with industry partners to position itself as a testing ground for next-gen vehicles and aircraft powered by alternative fuels. Willis will speak in a dedicated session on scaling SAF, electric, and hydrogen solutions in aviation.
Learn more about PIT's approach:
New momentum for regional transformation
Regional aviation is often overlooked in climate conversations, but Connect Airlines is working to change that, starting with fleet choices that reduce emissions now, while laying the groundwork for future innovation.
“The opportunity already exists today with the replacement of ageing uneconomic 50-seat regional jets in the U.S. with existing turboprop technology in the likes of the ATR72 and Q400s,” says John Thomas, CEO. “The turboprops reduce carbon emissions by roughly 40% and can operate at significantly better economics than the 50-seat RJs.”
Connect’s business model layers in passenger upgrades – from premium economy cabins to free Starlink Wi-Fi – and is preparing for a shift to hydrogen-electric propulsion, which Thomas says is dramatically more efficient than today’s jet engines.
“There is a lot of innovation in the airline industry at the moment, much of which is under the radar,” he adds. “So, the FTE World Innovation Summit provides a great opportunity to better understand what is going on.”
Hydrogen, solar, and strategy: Edmonton’s integrated approach
Edmonton International Airport (YEG) is building an ecosystem that ties clean energy directly into its operations. Its strategy balances SAF support with hands-on applications for hydrogen and electrification.
“We are engaging with suppliers and airlines to ensure future availability and feasibility for our region,” says Marion N. Chivot-Legris, Director, ESG & Sustainability Strategy. “For example, in our efforts to advance low-carbon energy, we are working closely with partners – airlines and ground handlers – to support the transition to electric ground operations.”
YEG is also a founding partner in the Edmonton Region Hydrogen HUB, supporting applications from ground transport through to potential aviation use. Alongside this, the airport is planning what could become the largest solar installation at any airport globally.
“Alongside our hydrogen initiatives, we are continuously upgrading airport facilities – improving lighting, HVAC and overall energy efficiency to reduce consumption,” she says. “These efforts are essential to our decarbonization strategy.”
Chivot-Legris will also be joining the panel on scaling SAF, electric, and hydrogen use.
Academic insight with industry reach
Airports and airlines aren’t navigating this shift alone. Academic partners are helping frame the systems thinking behind these transitions. Costa Samaras, Director of the Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation at Carnegie Mellon University, sees the current moment as a decisive one.
“There is a huge opportunity for clean energy innovation in the air transport sector. Now is the time for leadership to ensure that the future of air transport is clean and carbon neutral,” says Samaras. “I’m so excited about the great work the Scott Institute and CMU is doing to deliver energy and climate solutions. These are the technologies, systems, and policies that will tackle climate change, and make energy clean, affordable, reliable, and resilient.”
He’ll join the session exploring how the sector can gain credible environmental credentials at pace, grounded in science and policy.
More than panels: innovation tours, live demos, and new connections
The FTE World Innovation Summit will go well beyond PowerPoint presentations. Attendees will tour PIT’s new terminal before it opens to the public, visit energy innovation sites across Pittsburgh, and participate in hands-on workshops at Carnegie Mellon University.
Keynotes and speakers include executives from British Airways, Alaska Airlines, Frontier, MAG, Heathrow, Munich Airport International, Fraport, Connect Airlines, and CMU, among others. Three conference tracks will cover tech transformation, energy systems, and future-ready infrastructure.
For those working to embed sustainability into the core of aviation operations, this event is a window into where the industry is heading – and who’s leading the way.
As the Headline Partner of the event and a global leader in aviation strategy and sustainability, SimpliFlying will play a central role in shaping the Energy & Sustainability track – helping to frame conversations around the future of sustainable air travel and turning insights into action.
Airline and airport attendees are eligible to join free of charge.