With climate change posing a significant threat, minimising our environmental impact is more crucial than ever. Aviation is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, and the rise of urban air mobility, particularly through drones and new airspace technologies, risks worsening this issue. To address this, the EU-funded RefMap project was launched in February 2023 to reduce the environmental footprint of airlines and drone systems. In this interview, Anna Palaiologk, founder and head of research at Future Needs, shares her insights on the project and discusses how the aviation sector can evolve to become more eco-conscious.
Rethinking aviation business models with environmental priorities
Anna Palaiologk identifies a key challenge facing the aviation industry: the tendency to prioritize financial gains over environmental considerations. “Even if we say we focus on the environment, how can we really focus on it and factor it into the business models of future aviation?” she asks.
The RefMap project aims to bridge this gap by developing business models that truly integrate environmental considerations for both traditional aviation and emerging fields like drone technology and other innovative airspace uses. The goal is to create an aviation industry that grows sustainably, balancing innovation with environmental responsibility.
Engaging stakeholders in the research process
A distinctive feature of RefMap is its inclusive and adaptive approach to research and development. Unlike conventional research projects, which often follow a predefined course, RefMap actively seeks feedback from stakeholders and the broader community at various stages.
Anna explains, “We gather feedback on the initial plan and then really incorporate it into the research process,” which often means adjusting questions or refining project characteristics based on stakeholder input. This collaborative approach ensures that the solutions developed are innovative, relevant, and practical for those directly involved in or affected by the aviation industry’s shift toward greener practices.
RefMap isn’t just about developing new tools and models—it’s about building a community dedicated to reducing aviation’s environmental impact. Anna extends an open invitation to stakeholders, regulators, and anyone with a vested interest in greener aviation to participate in the project’s interviews and focus groups. “We are looking for collaboration,” she says.
“We would like to invite stakeholders to contribute their opinions and help us refine our tools, ensuring that they are as useful and impactful as possible.” – Anna Palaiologk
If you’re interested in contributing to this pioneering research, please click here to get involved.
By engaging with a wide array of aviation stakeholders, the RefMap project is leading the way toward a more sustainable future. Through innovative, environmentally focused business models, the project aims to reshape the industry for the better.
A dynamic approach to collaboration and communication
In addition to leading the business modelling aspect, Future Needs plays a vital role in communication and dissemination efforts within the project. Anna commends the dissemination team’s work, highlighting the importance of keeping stakeholders and the public well-informed about the project’s progress. “You can find a lot of information on our social media channels, including LinkedIn and X, where we post regularly about the latest developments in the sector and the project’s updates,” she mentions.
This proactive communication strategy ensures that the research remains transparent and accessible, encouraging a broader audience to engage with the project and contribute their perspectives on making aviation more sustainable.
Branding & Communication material designed by Future Needs for the RefMAP project
