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The European aviation sector has taken the next appropriate steps in climate accountability with the release of the latest version of the Non-CO₂ Aviation Effects Tracking System (NEATS)
NEATS has been developed through collaboration between EUROCONTROL and the European Commission. The upgraded NEATS platform is designed to improve how aviation’s bigger environmental impacts are monitored, reported, and verified.
While carbon dioxide has long been the primary focus of aviation climate policies, non-CO₂ effects such as contrails and nitrogen oxide emissions also play a substantial role in global warming. These impacts are more complex to measure, but they are increasingly recognised as essential to understanding aviation’s true environmental footprint.
NEATS addresses this challenge by providing a unified system that captures both CO₂ and non-CO₂ effects. The platform supports the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), enabling more comprehensive tracking of emissions across flights within the European Economic Area.
What’s new in version 3
The third version of NEATS introduces a fully integrated workflow that allows users to complete monitoring, reporting, and verification processes within a single platform. This eliminates the need for fragmented systems and simplifies compliance for airlines and regulators.
One of the most notable improvements is streamlined annual reporting. Airlines can now generate reports directly from the system, significantly reducing administrative workload. While manual input may still be required in some cases, the platform automates much of the data handling process.
The upgrade also expands data integration. By incorporating external sources such as EUROCONTROL’s Environment Management Information Service, NEATS can fill gaps in flight data.
Users can now have greater flexibility in defining their reporting scope and selecting calculation methods. This allows operators to align their reporting with approved monitoring plans while maintaining consistency with EU standards.
Supporting policy and industry goals
The enhanced platform is a key component of Europe’s broader climate strategy, particularly in the aviation sector. By improving data accuracy and accessibility, NEATS enables policymakers to make more informed decisions about emissions reduction measures.
The system is currently applicable to all intra-EEA flights, with plans to expand coverage to all EU-related flights by 2027. This phased approach ensures the platform scales effectively while maintaining reliability.
NEATS also reflects close cooperation between regulators and industry stakeholders, including airlines and manufacturers. This collaboration has been essential in ensuring the platform meets both regulatory requirements and operational realities.
As the aviation industry works toward climate neutrality by 2050, tools like NEATS will play a critical role. By providing a more complete picture of aviation’s environmental impact, the platform supports evidence-based strategies to reduce emissions.