With fuel prices in the stratosphere, and environmentalists’ spotlight trained on aircraft like never before, improving efficiency is the big issue for engine makers.

“Aviation is only 2-3 per cent of total emissions in the world today,” says Bob Saia, vice-president of next-generation products at Pratt & Whitney. “We’re not the major player but we’re being good stewards to drive towards being carbon-neutral in the middle of this century.”