EUROCONTROL and European Commission release enhanced NEATS platform to improve monitoring of the non-CO₂ climate impacts of aviation

EUROCONTROL, in partnership with the European Commission, has released the third version of the Non-CO₂ Aviation Effects Tracking System (NEATS), marking a significant milestone in the monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) of aviation's full climate impact. This now includes all required functionalities for the MRV.

NEATS is a pioneering IT platform designed to support the implementation of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) by making it possible to track non-CO_₂ aviation effects, including contrails and nitrogen oxides (NOx), in a robust and harmonised way. With this latest release, the platform makes it possible for aircraft operators, accredited verifiers and competent authorities to complete the entire MRV workflow directly within a single, integrated system.

Version 3 delivers new functionalities and several improvements, including:

• End-to-end MRV workflow within the platform: Verification and reporting processes are fully embedded, enabling users to complete the entire MRV workflow in NEATS from start to finish.
• Streamlined annual reporting capabilities: The platform can now feed data directly into the annual non-CO₂ aviation effects reports, reducing the administrative burden on airlines. Manual input may still be required in cases where data is incomplete.
• Integration of additional data sources: The system expands its data coverage by incorporating external sources, including EUROCONTROL's Environment Management Information Service (EMIS), to automatically fill gaps in missing or incomplete flight information.
• Selection of MRV scope and calculation method: Users can define what to report by selecting the applicable MRV scope and choosing the appropriate calculation method for non-CO₂ aviation effects, in line with their approved monitoring plan.

"The release of NEATS Version 3 is a major milestone for the aviation community and a key priority for EUROCONTROL's sustainability work - a crucial element of our Trajectory 2030 Strategy. By enabling a fully integrated monitoring, reporting and verification process for non-CO₂ effects, we are providing stakeholders with a practical and efficient tool to better understand and manage aviation's climate impact. This important development is also a strong example of how collaboration across Europe can deliver innovative solutions to complex environmental challenges."

"NEATS Version 3 completes the EU's framework for monitoring non-CO₂ aviation effects, delivering on the mandate set by the co-legislators under the EU ETS. While the tool will continue to evolve, it already integrates the best available scientific methods to assess these impacts. By covering all intra-EEA flights today and expanding to all EU-related flights from 2027, NEATS will significantly strengthen our understanding of aviation's full climate impact and support effective action towards climate neutrality."

Developed under the Cooperation Agreement between EUROCONTROL and the European Commission's Directorate-General for Climate Action (DG CLIMA), NEATS V3 reflects close collaboration with key aviation stakeholders, including airlines, aircraft and engine manufacturers.

NEATS represents a critical step towards a more comprehensive and transparent approach to achieving the aviation climate neutrality target by 2050. It supports evidence-based policymaking and reinforces Europe's leadership in climate action and innovation.

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