INSIGHT
The growth of greener aviation
The temperature is rising, we're seeing more extreme weather events, and temps seem to be getting more intense each season. But as the global demand for air travel doesn't appear to be slowing down any time soon, the aviation industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact. Especially with that ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 on the radar.
With the aviation industry moving forward with greener tech and policies, companies contributing to the industry with their corporate travel will need to jump on board this movement. This could mean adapting travel policies to adopt sustainable practices, choosing airlines that prioritise the planet, managing potential ticket price increases due to the rise of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), and staying aligned with industry standards. But the path to sustainable aviation isn’t always that straight forward. It’s been and always will be a collective effort involving everyone who has a seat, including you and us. So, let’s dive into how we got here and where to next.
The rise of environmental awareness
In the early 20th century, aviation was in its wooden era, and environmental concerns were not on the radar at all. Aircrafts were primarily designed for performance and moving people or cargo, with little regard for the environment. The focus was on advancing tech and expanding capabilities. But as air travel took off, so did environmental awareness.
1960: Conversations linking transport and air pollution begun.
1970: Earth Day, environmental concerns, and the word 'sustainability' made their debut.
1988: Global warming became real when a NASA scientist testified that humans were causing climate change. Around the same time "greenwashing" became a thing.
1997: The Kyoto Protocol was semi-adopted, marking one of the first attempts to address greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Participating industrialised countries aimed to reduce emissions back to 1990 levels. It was a start, but uptake was minimal.
2015: The Paris Agreement, a legally binding Agreement called for all countries to take action and limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with a stretch goal of 1.5°C.
2016: The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) joined the fight with a commitment to cap international flight CO2 emissions at 2020 levels, effectively rolling back to 2010. Fuel-efficient aircrafts, sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), improving air traffic management systems, and the voluntary programme Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) all formed part the strategy.
2023: Over 100 countries participate in the CORSIA programme, with airlines buying credits to balance out their emissions. However, it is worth noting that some believe carbon credits and offset programmes are really just a way for businesses to mask and justify their own ongoing excessive carbon output.
Despite all these efforts, the world continued to grow, and so did global emissions. With CO2 levels increasing from approximately 23,990 million tonnes (Mt) in 1997 to 37,109 Mt by 2022.
And to do this day, flying is still one of the most carbon-intensive activities out there. Accounting for 2.5% of global CO2 emissions and has contributed around 4% to global warming since it first took off. In the United States, the average person emits around 386 kilograms of CO2 per domestic flight, and Australia isn't far behind with around 267 kilograms per person. In their defence, these two countries have a lot of land to cover. In smaller countries where people can typically get around via train, like Italy the number is lower at just 37 kg per person and India at 8 kg.
Innovations and advancements in the 21st century
The 21st century has witnessed some noteworthy advancements aimed at improving aircraft environmental performance.
Aerodynamic and materials
Modern aircraft are now designed with a focus on fuel efficiency, achieved through aerodynamic improvements, and the use of advanced materials. However, some say this was likely more of a cost-saving exercise than a sustainable one. Innovations such as winglets and lighter composite materials have also contributed to reductions in fuel consumption through less drag and reduced weights.
Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF)
One of the biggest developments in sustainable aviation has been the adoption of alternative sustainable aviation fuels, particularly biofuels. Derived from renewable sources such as agricultural residues, waste materials, and non-food crops, biofuels offer a promising way reduce carbon emissions. Because unlike traditional fossil jet fuel, biofuels can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%. Biofuels are also compatible with existing aircraft engines, allowing for immediate use without requiring extensive modifications to an existing and expensive fleet.
But, SAF production, mainly, biofuels is subject to controversy. Industry gurus argue that growing crops for biofuels can compete with food production, raising concerns about food security, and the emissions associated with large-scale crop growing. And production of these crops still contributes to the climate. This has led to ongoing debates about the true sustainability of biofuels and whether they represent the best path forward. Along with biofuels, synthetic kerosene fuels have emerged as possible alternatives. These fuels, referred to as "the world's first sustainable, zero-carbon alternative to traditional jet fuel," can be blended with conventional jet fuel, allowing immediate adoption. Synthetic fuels, produced through processes that capture carbon dioxide, water, and renewable electricity, are seen as a long-term solution for reducing aviation emissions.
Despite the potential of Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), which include both biofuels and synthetic fuels, their adoption has been slow. Sustainable aviation Fuel currently accounts for only about 0.1% of all jet fuel used worldwide, a figure that has remained mostly unchanged over the past four years. The slow uptake of SAF is attributed to several factors, with SAF production costs being the most biggest barrier. Biofuels can cost up to 50% more than traditional jet fuel, while synthetic fuels can be up to 6-10 times more expensive (yikes!). These high costs could become a problem for corporate travel until there is more widespread adoption. Higher costs for the airline normally translates to higher costs for the consumer, aka your travel budget.
Electric and hybrid aircrafts
Another area of innovation in sustainable aviation is the development of electric and hybrid commercial aircrafts. Industry giants like Boeing and Airbus are racing to deliver the first electric aeroplanes for short-haul and regional air travel. These aircraft promise cleaner, quieter, and more efficient flights, with several prototypes already taking to the skies. While still in the early days, the momentum behind electric aviation is growing, and could play a role in the future of air travel.
Airline adoption
Several global airlines have already integrated sustainable aviation fuel into their operations, making a conscious effort towards greener skies. Emirates, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and British Airways have each committed to incorporating SAF in various capacities. In 2023, Virgin Atlantic made headlines when Flight VS100 completed the world’s first transatlantic flight using 100% SAF. Other airlines, including Qantas, Alaska Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines, and Qatar Airways, have all announced plans to incorporate SAF across their fleets by 2027.
Beyond SAF, airlines are also pursuing various other initiatives to reduce their environmental impact. Delta Air Lines, announced in 2023 that it would remove plastic cups from all its flights, a move that will eliminate an estimated 7 million pounds of plastic waste per year. Air France has made similar moves and has already reduced its use of plastic cups, cutlery, and stirrers, replacing them with eco-friendly alternatives.
But what about airports?
Well, they’re playing their part too. While airlines are taking steps and committing to reducing their carbon footprint, airports are also stepping up and have been for a while now. Airports account for approximately 2% of global aviation emissions, which comes mainly from energy use for lighting, heating, cooling, and ground operations.
San Diego International Airport has been powered by 100% renewable energy since 2013. This achievement is part of its broader sustainability programme, which includes significant energy efficiency improvements and waste reduction measures across infrastructure and fleet. In recent years, Dubai International Airport has installed a large solar panel system with 15,000 panels, and Amsterdam Schiphol aims to become the most sustainable airport in the world by 2050. Heathrow Airport is also working towards achieving its target of becoming carbon neutral by 2050, while Brisbane and Melbourne Airports aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2025.
As of 2023, more than 50 airports globally have introduced electric or hybrid ground support vehicles to reduce emissions. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has deployed over 100 electric ground support vehicles as part of its sustainability strategy. Effective water management is another area of focus for airports. Many airports are saying yes to water-saving technologies and systems. Heathrow Airport and Perth Airport has introduced a rainwater harvesting system that captures approximately 5 million litres of water annually for non-potable uses at the Heathrow Airport. The Istanbul Airport is designed to be one of the most sustainable airports globally, and it incorporates energy-efficient systems, renewable energy sources, and waste reduction practices to minimise its environmental impact.
Touching down
The journey towards sustainable aviation and achieving net-zero is complex and gradual. It's not a transformation that happens overnight, but a collective effort that spans the entire lifecycle of air travel and the whole supply chain. This means it's not just about airlines. It's airports, manufacturers, policymakers, and consumers all taking a seat in the cockpit. While progress is evident, achieving absolute zero emissions remain an ambitious target. And another topic that's gaining headwind is whether we will really be able to differentiate between 'zero' and 'reduced' emissions or not.