Airbus launches project in Canada to study non-CO₂ emissions from jet fuels
March 26, 2025
Airbus has teamed up with leading Canadian aerospace academic and research organisations to launch a project aimed at measuring non-CO₂ emissions from different jet fuels, including 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
The initiative, known as Contrail Research Yielding Stimulating Advanced RQL Learning (CRYSTAL), will involve both ground and flight testing at Airbus’ Mirabel site in Canada, home to the A220 programme.
The project will assess emissions produced during on-wing ground testing as well as in-flight emissions and contrail formation at various altitudes using an A220 flight test aircraft.
Both Jet A-1 and 100% SAF will be tested to evaluate their impact on emissions, contrail properties, and the wider climate. The data collected will contribute to improving contrail modelling and help identify fuel and engine technologies that could reduce aviation’s climate impact.
Ground tests are scheduled to begin in Q3 2025, followed by flight tests in 2027. The project is supported by YMX International Aerocity at Mirabel Airport and will be a key initiative within Espace Aéro, Quebec’s first official aerospace innovation zone.
Key partners include Polytechnique Montréal, École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS), and FSM Management Group. Airbus and its partners are also in discussions with Canadian government initiatives, including the Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Technology (INSAT) and the Consortium for Research and Innovation in Aerospace in Québec (CRIAQ), to secure support for the project.
Catherine Guillemart, Head of Public Affairs and Sustainability, Canada, Airbus said: “We are delighted to collaborate with world-class partners in Canada, as we are committed to supporting the aviation industry’s efforts to research on non-CO2 emissions. Increasing the scientific data to further understand the formation of non CO2-emissions remains key for the industry to understand their effects.”
Mélanie Lussier, President of Aéro Montréal, said: “Espace Aéro is proud to see a major project take shape with CRYSTAL, driven by Airbus’ leadership and its partners.
“This collaborative initiative perfectly reflects our innovation zone’s commitment to decarbonisation and showcases how Quebec’s ingenuity and innovation are helping to shape the sustainable aviation of tomorrow.
“By bringing together industrial and academic players around concrete solutions, we are strengthening Quebec’s position as a leader in aerospace environmental performance.”
Martin Massé, Vice-President, Public Affairs, Communication and Sustainability, ADM, said: “ADM Aéroports de Montréal is proud to be involved in this visionary research project. For many years now, our organization has prided itself on making its facilities available to support partners in the aviation ecosystem on their journey towards net zero emissions.
“As a world-class aeronautical hub and innovation zone, the YMX site was the perfect place to be at the forefront of this initiative, which will ultimately enable our industry to take the next step towards decarbonizing its activities.”
