Top 10: Sustainable Aerospace & Defence Manufacturers
The aerospace sector is a significant contributor to global CO₂ emissions, with nearly a billion tonnes released annually as per the International Energy Agency.
While it is transitioning to sustainable alternatives like sustainable aviation fuels, the industry is still heavily reliant on fossil fuels, adding to pollution and climate change while also affecting the ozone layer.
However, integrating sustainability into manufacturing and operations not only fosters innovation, it also prepares companies for future resource challenges and rapidly evolving stakeholder demands.
Here, Manufacturing Magazine has identified 10 leading aerospace and defence companies championing eco-friendly practices.
10. Leonardo
Chief Sustainability Officer: Raffaella Luglini
Headquarters: Rome, Italy
Founded: 1948
Employees: 60,500
Named after the Italian inventor, Leonardo operates 180 sites worldwide, spanning helicopters, aircraft, aerostructures, electronics and cybersecurity.
By 2030, Leonardo aims to cut Scope 1 and 3 emissions by 53% and reduce emissions per flight hour equivalent from its solutions by 52%.
In 2024, the company achieved a 3,000 tonne reduction in Scope 1 and 2 market-based CO₂ emissions and cut electricity consumption from the external grid by 23 GWh.
9. Lockheed Martin
SVP Ethics and Enterprise Assurance: Leo Mackay
Headquarters: Maryland, US
Founded: 1955
Employees: 121,000
By 2030, Lockheed Martin will match 40% of the electricity used globally with renewable sources.
“Our sustainability programme is integral to our business strategy, reflecting our mission and resonating with our business decisions,” says Leo Mackay, SVP Ethics and Enterprise Assurance at Lockheed Martin, in its 2024 Sustainability Report.
“We are committed to stewarding environmental, social and financial capital in a way that benefits people, communities and the planet.”
Heather Daniels VP Environment, Safety, Health and Sustainability, says in the report: “By setting clear goals and measurable actions, we aim continually to improve our performance, driving innovation and enhancing resource efficiency, thus promoting resilience for future generations.”
8. Boeing
Chief Sustainability Officer: Brian Moran
Headquarters: Virginia, US
Founded: 1916
Employees: 170,000
Boeing has pledged net zero aviation emissions by 2050 and is pioneering sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
It plans to run operations on 100% renewable energy and deliver 100% SAF-compatible new aircraft by 2030.
Boeing has also partnered with Norsk e-Fuel to support Europe’s first industrial-scale Power-to-Liquid facility.
"As our focus remains on safety and quality, sustainability continues to be a priority," says Ryan Faucett, VP Environmental Sustainability.
7. RTX
Senior Director, Environmental Sustainability: Dimitri Shanin
Headquarters: Virginia, US
Founded: 2020
Employees: 186,000
RTX is known for strong sustainability performance, reducing GHG emissions by over 20% since 2019.
It has invested billions in green technologies and contributed US$50m and 202,000 volunteer hours to communities.
In Illinois, RTX launched a US$50m electric power systems lab to advance hybrid-electric propulsion and electric systems.
6. General Dynamics
EVP Global Operations: Danny Deep
Headquarters: Virginia, US
Founded: 1952
Employees: 117,000
Danny Deep oversees sustainability at General Dynamics, which targets a 40% GHG reduction by 2034.
The company has led projects like 100% SAF flights while embedding environmental standards such as ISO 14001 across operations.
Its efforts also extend to supply chain diversity and community engagement.
5. Northrop Grumman
Chief Sustainability Officer: Mike Witt
Headquarters: Virginia, US
Founded: 1939
Employees: 100,000
Northrop Grumman applies sustainability in technology for biodiversity monitoring, marine mammal tracking, cultural preservation and wildfire detection.
In California, it reduced water use by 16 million gallons annually by connecting reclaimed water to cooling towers.
“Our expertise, scale and speed enable us to define the future of technology while leveraging it to shape a better world for all,” says President and CEO Kathy Warden in its 2024 Sustainability Report.
4. Safran
Chief Sustainability Officer: Nathalie Stubler
Headquarters: Paris, France
Founded: 2005
Employees: 100,000
Safran has pledged to halve Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030, supporting aviation’s transition to net zero.
It has reduced energy consumption, phased out natural gas and increased renewable energy use.
The company is also a signatory of the Air Transport Action Group’s 2021 net zero commitment.
3. Embraer
Global Head ESG: André Tachard
Headquarters: São Paulo, Brazil
Founded: 1969
Employees: 23,500
Embraer aims for 100% renewable electricity by 2030 and carbon neutral operations by 2040.
By 2050, it plans to deliver zero carbon aircraft, powered by SAF, hydrogen, hybrid and electric systems.
In 2024, its Brazilian factories switched entirely to renewable energy, cutting 2,200 tonnes of CO₂.
That same year, Embraer invested 47% of revenues into clean technology R&D.
2. GKN
Chief Sustainability Officer: Clare Wyatt
Headquarters: Redditch, UK
Founded: 1759
Employees: 41,000
GKN targets net zero by 2045, validated by the Science Based Targets initiative.
Its SWITCH project is advancing hybrid-electric propulsion for climate neutral short- to mid-range air transport.
“Contributing to the decarbonisation of the aerospace sector remains one of our top priorities and presents great opportunities to deploy our innovation and technology leadership to create and commercialise world-leading solutions for cleaner air travel,” says GKN CEO Peter Dilnot in its 2024 Sustainability Report.
1. Airbus
Chief Sustainability Officer: Julie Kitcher
Headquarters: Leiden, Netherlands
Founded: 1970
Employees: 157,000
Airbus leads the sector with its ZEROe hydrogen aircraft concept, aiming for zero emission flights by 2035.
Its innovations span eco-efficient manufacturing, lightweight materials, circular economy practices and SAF partnerships.
“Aerospace is a powerful force for good in an unstable world,” explains Julie Kitcher, Chief Sustainability Officer at Airbus. “We want to do business in a way that benefits society as a whole. We stand for transparency and integrity, and expect our partners and suppliers to do the same.”
“Since Airbus was founded in 1969, our engineers have designed and built each generation of aircraft to increase the safety of flight and to reduce fuel consumption, costs and emissions for airlines, sharpening their competitiveness,” says Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury.
He adds: “With partners from across the world, Airbus is advocating for and investing in sustainable aviation fuels, which are critical to making progress in reducing emissions today.”
