As a boy growing up in Hudson, Ohio, Dominic Barone had his mind set on becoming a fighter pilot until a high school assignment led to his interviewing an aerospace engineer – sparking a new passion and career path.

“Going into college, I knew that I wanted to get into propulsion,” Dominic said. “I had all these ideas about hypersonic and supersonic air-breathing engines. I really wanted to be a part of developing these new technologies.”

Dominic went on to receive aerospace degrees from the University of Cincinnati and the University of Virginia. When he joined Boeing, he earned his pilot’s license with help from our industry-leading tuition assistance program – an achievement that fulfilled his career ambitions and his childhood dream.  

Today, Dominic is a manager of Sustainability and Future Mobility, where he and his team are at the forefront of groundbreaking advancements in decarbonizing aerospace.

Sustainable aviation fuel and beyond

One of the ways the industry is decarbonizing aviation is through sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). But more fuel alternatives and advanced aircraft designs will be required for the commercial aviation industry to achieve its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. This is often referred to as our company’s “SAF &” approach and is the primary focus of Dominic’s Future Flight Concepts team.

“The expertise found within Boeing is second to none, and we’re bringing various groups together to solve 'SAF &'," he said. Dominic’s team collaborates with experts across our company, including in the fields of space, research and technology, and commercial airplane programs.

The work includes exploring the viability of alternative energy sources like hydrogen, hybrid-electric and other aircraft concepts.

As part of this, Dominic’s group works side-by-side with the Cascade Model team. Cascade is a web application that visualizes how introducing more sustainable aviation options would lower emissions.

“We need to keep people and products flying. The world depends on it," said Dominic. "Boeing is leading the way in finding safe, sustainable and efficient approaches to the future of flight, and I’m proud to be a part of this critical mission.”

Learn more about our commitment to sustainability.