It’s no secret that the aviation industry contributes to CO2 emissions. Aviation business leaders are therefore under pressure to take huge leaps in climate action to ensure the future of flight can be more sustainable. Technological advancement is a crucial element of that decarbonization – including new, climate-first designs of engines.

Riccardo Procacci is CEO of Avio Aero, an aviation company with more than 5,000 employees across Italy, Poland and the Czech Republic, who joined the organization in 2013 to lead the transition of the team as it was acquired by GE. The company develops next-generation propulsion systems for commercial and military aviation, working alongside major universities and research centers as it focuses investment on research and development for the future of the aviation industry.

Q: Aviation is a crucial topic in a world tackling climate change – how can aviation become a climate-first industry?

A: We believe aviation and the ability to travel are essential because the world works better when it flies. Everyone in the world has a right to stay connected to family, friends, job opportunities and healthcare, not to mention the myriad other benefits of travel.

Avio Aero’s parent company, GE, is one of the world’s largest aircraft engine makers. We take seriously our responsibility to help lead aviation industry efforts to decarbonize commercial flight. Making…