The European Commission and EUROCONTROL have released an updated version of their digital system designed to assess aviation’s non-CO2 climate effects
Known as NEATS, the Non-CO2 Aviation Effects Tracking System, the new Version 2 marks a significant step toward more comprehensive climate accounting in the aviation sector.
While aviation emissions have traditionally focused on carbon dioxide, scientific evidence increasingly shows that non-CO2 effects such as contrails and nitrogen oxides (NOx) play a major role in aviation’s overall climate impact. NEATS aims to bring these effects into a structured monitoring and reporting framework.
What NEATS Version 2 delivers
NEATS V2 allows aircraft operators to calculate the non-CO₂ climate impact of individual flights using operational data they already collect. At this stage, the results are indicative and reflect the evolving nature of climate science and modelling techniques. However, the tool provides valuable insights into how specific flights contribute to warming beyond CO2 emissions alone.
The system integrates a range of scientifically established models that assess per-flight climate effects. A core component of NEATS is the PyContrails Python library, which is widely used to model contrail formation and persistence. Contrails are among the most significant non-CO₂ contributors to aviation’s climate footprint, particularly at high altitudes.
Preparing for EU ETS reporting
The release of NEATS V2 is closely tied to upcoming regulatory requirements. Further refinements to models, functions, and data parameters are already underway in preparation for Version 3. NEATS V3 is expected to play a huge role in supporting the EU Emissions Trading System reporting for 2025 emissions.
Unlike the current version, V3 will introduce dedicated user interfaces tailored for aircraft operators, independent verifiers, and competent authorities. This will make the monitoring, reporting, and verification process quicker and more accessible across the aviation sector.
Collaboration across Europe
NEATS has been developed under a cooperation agreement between EUROCONTROL and the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Climate Action.
Its development demonstrates collaborative efforts with airlines, aircraft and engine manufacturers, and technical partners.
Key contributors include To70 and AerLabs, as well as Germany’s national weather service (DWD) and aerospace research centre (DLR). In addition, the system has been developed in collaboration with Swiss authorities, ensuring that NEATS also covers flights reported under the Swiss Emissions Trading System. This alignment strengthens cross-border consistency in climate reporting.
A holistic climate approach
NEATS represents a major move toward a more formalised and coherent approach to addressing aviation’s full climate impact. By automating and standardising the monitoring of non-CO₂ effects, the tool helps bridge the gap between scientific research and regulatory implementation.
The system supports the broader goals of the EU ETS by expanding climate accountability beyond carbon dioxide alone. It also reinforces the European Union’s position as a global leader in climate policy and digital innovation, particularly in hard-to-abate sectors like aviation.
