the Polytechnic University will host a multimedia exhibition within the Italian Pavilion from Oct. 1-3, showcasing its research on flight and space. The presentation will cover everything from drones for urban mobility to next-generation stratospheric aircraft and satellites used in space exploration and Earth-based applications.

The university’s project, titled “Airone – planes and drones for sustainable civil mobility,” was selected by the Italian Ministry of University and Research. A team from the Department of Architecture and Design, the Dialog and Relations Unit with the Media, the Internationalization, Cooperation, Alliance and Mobility Area, and the Japan Hub collaborated on the proposal.Giuliana Mattiazzo, Vice Rector for scientific-technological innovation, is the project’s scientific manager.

Focus on Sustainability and Future Mobility

The “Airone” project will highlight the university’s aerospace research, focusing on sustainability and future mobility solutions. Prototypes, videos, and narrative elements will guide visitors through the exhibition, culminating in a view of space. The exhibition will feature “flying machines” inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s research. The Italian pavilion will also host the Atlantic Code, featuring some of da Vinci’s drawings on flight. A reproduction of the SVA 9, an Italian biplane that made the Rome-Tokyo flight in 1920 piloted by Arturo Ferrarin, will also be on display.

The Polytechnic plans to present the frontiers of one’s research in the aerospace field with particular attention to sustainability and to the mobility of people thanks to a multimedia path. The aim is for the visitor to embark on a journey that brings the gaze higher and higher, to the space, telling the frontier of those “flying machines” already subject to Leonardo da Vinci’s search.

Strengthening Ties with Japan

The Expo provides an prospect for the Polytechnic to strengthen its presence in Japan.The university inaugurated a hub in Kyoto in 2023 and plans to expand to Tokyo this year. The university will host talks with Italian and Japanese guests during the Expo to foster relationships with academic and industrial partners.

U.S. Interest in Sustainable Aviation

The Expo Osaka 2025 exhibit aligns with growing interest in sustainable aviation within the United States. The Biden management has set ambitious goals for reducing aviation emissions, including a commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This initiative involves investments in sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), electric and hybrid-electric aircraft, and more efficient air traffic management systems.

The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) has been actively promoting the advancement and adoption of SAF, offering grants, tax incentives, and regulatory support to accelerate the transition. Several U.S. airlines, including United, Delta, and American, have committed to using SAF in their operations, partnering with fuel producers and technology developers to scale up production.

Though, the widespread adoption of sustainable aviation faces challenges. Producing SAF at scale requires significant investment in feedstock production,refining infrastructure,and distribution networks. The cost of SAF is currently higher than conventional jet fuel,potentially impacting airline profitability. Furthermore, the environmental benefits of SAF depend on the feedstock and production process used, with some options having limited or even negative impacts on greenhouse gas emissions.

Leonardo da vinci’s Vision

The exhibit makes reference to Leonardo da Vinci’s contributions to the field of flight and includes the quote: “Once you have met the flight – he wrote – You will walk on earth looking at the sky, because you have been there and there you will want to return.”

Counterargument

while the potential for sustainable aviation is promising, some critics argue that focusing solely on technological solutions like SAF and electric aircraft may not be sufficient to address the environmental impact of air travel. Thay advocate for reducing air travel demand through measures such as promoting alternative modes of transportation, implementing carbon taxes on aviation fuel, and encouraging virtual meetings and remote work. however, proponents of sustainable aviation argue that technological advancements can enable air travel to continue while substantially reducing its environmental footprint, supporting economic growth and global connectivity.