A New Chapter in Understanding Aviation Climate Impact
The European Commission and EUROCONTROL have taken another meaningful step toward holistic aviation climate accountability with the release of Version Two of NEATS, the Non-CO2 Aviation Effects Tracking System. This update moves the industry closer to understanding climate impacts that extend beyond carbon dioxide, an area long recognised as critical yet complex.
What NEATS Version Two Brings to the Table
NEATS Version Two allows aircraft operators to calculate non-CO2 climate impacts at flight level using operational data they already collect. These results are indicative but highly valuable, offering early insight into effects such as contrails and nitrogen oxides that influence warming at altitude.
The tool is built on scientifically established models, including those derived from the PyContrails Python library. This ensures that calculations are rooted in credible atmospheric science rather than assumptions, helping operators move from awareness to informed action.
Preparing for Future Regulatory Reporting
While Version Two is a significant milestone, its true value lies in what comes next. Ongoing refinements are already underway for Version Three, which will directly support EU Emissions Trading System reporting for 2025 emissions. The upcoming version will also introduce dedicated interfaces for operators, verifiers, and authorities, improving clarity and consistency across reporting workflows.
Collaboration Driving Credibility
The development of NEATS reflects strong collaboration across the aviation ecosystem, involving regulators, airlines, manufacturers, research institutions, and meteorological experts. Its alignment with both EU and Swiss emissions trading systems further strengthens its relevance for operators working across jurisdictions.
Why This Matters for the Sector
Non-CO2 effects have long been acknowledged but rarely quantified at scale. NEATS helps bridge that gap, signalling a shift toward a more complete understanding of aviation climate impact. For operators, this is an opportunity to get ahead of regulatory expectations and integrate non-CO2 considerations into sustainability strategies early.
As reporting frameworks evolve, those who combine reliable tools with expert interpretation will be best positioned to turn emerging data into practical climate action.
Source: European Commission