Green air travel: Is sustainable air travel really possible?

Air traffic has steadily increased over the years, and greenhouse gas emissions have followed the same upward trend. In fact, the airline sector currently accounts for approximately 2.5% of global carbon emissions, followed by the emission of other greenhouse gases and condensation trails created by jet engines.

Solutions like greener fuels, electric aircraft and decarbonization initiatives are being introduced to improve sustainability within the aviation industry. The goal is to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 as per the climate goals of Fly Net Zero and make flying more climate-friendly without giving up on the convenience of air travel.

In this blog, we will explore green air travel, its current state, and its potential to make sustainable flying a reality.

How does air travel impact the environment?

Every time a plane takes off, it burns thousands of gallons of jet fuel. This plane releases a cocktail of pollutants such as carbon dioxide and nitrous oxides, and produces contrails and other particulates that condense the water vapor in the air, negatively impacting the climate. In fact, the global aviation industry is responsible for 3.5% of climate change.

For example, a Boeing 747 aircraft uses around four liters of fuel per second on average. This means it consumes roughly ten to 11 tonnes of fuel per hour while in the air. Moreover, a plane’s take-off is even more fuel-intensive. With 90,000 to 100,000 flights scheduled every single day, imagine the amount of harmful greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) that are generated and the extensive impact it has on the environment.

Besides emissions, the aviation industry relies heavily on other non-renewable resources. Energy-intensive production processes add to its environmental footprint. For instance, building a modern aircraft requires large quantities of metals such as steel, aluminum and titanium. The extraction, refining, and manufacturing process consumes enormous amounts of energy and also produces exorbitant amounts of industrial waste. Similarly, the construction and maintenance of airport infrastructure demands a considerable amount of land and energy.

Offsetting air travel carbon emissions and finding new ways to reduce aircraft emissions is therefore of great importance. This is where green air travel comes in.

Understanding green air travel

Green air travel is the process of making aviation more sustainable to lessen its adverse effects on the environment. It focuses on three major areas:

• Using cleaner fuels
• Building more efficient aircraft
• Optimizing flight operations to consume less energy
• Investing in climate technology such as carbon management solutions

Green aviation seeks to strike a balance between the aviation industry's continuous expansion and creating an eco-friendly future for air travel.

The current state of green air travel

Airlines around the world are investing in climate–friendly initiatives and technology to further green aviation.

Emerging technology

Technology has offered excellent solutions to make air travel as sustainable as possible. It has not only reduced GHGs but also made air travel more energy-efficient and viable.

• Fuel-efficient aircraft: Airline manufacturers are designing aircraft using advanced materials to make airplanes lighter and more fuel-efficient. For example, carbon-fiber composites, lightweight alloys, and thermoplastics.
• Hybrid and electric propulsion systems: The aviation industry is looking at viable alternatives to traditional jet engines for short-haul engines. Electric and hybrid systems work on electricity or hydrogen fuel to power the plane's propellers. These technologies are said to reduce the direct CO2 emissions from flights.
• Decarbonization analytics: Decarbonization analytics offers insights into energy consumption patterns, emission sources, and inefficiencies. These insights enable aviation companies to comprehensively understand their emission sources and identify areas where action is needed to reduce emissions.

Operational improvements

Besides technological advancements, several operational improvements are being made to reduce the aviation industry's environmental footprint.

•  Flight planning: Airlines are adopting AI-powered tools to optimize flight planning processes. These tools analyze various factors like air traffic, weather patterns, fuel consumption rates, and more to determine the most efficient flight routes. There is a high demand for alternative flight routes as they can help prevent contrails. Flight planners can utilize satellite data to optimize aircraft routes and avoid weather patterns that favor contrail formation.
• Air traffic management (ATM): ATM systems are being replaced with modern systems with satellite-based navigation and real-time data-sharing capabilities. The aim is to facilitate better coordination between ground and air operations. For example, programs like SESAR (SingleEuropean Sky ATM Research) in Europe allow airlines to choose the most direct routes by bypassing the traditional fixed airways. Similarly, NextGen in the US helps airlines optimize aircraft spacing, allowing more planes to safely share the same airspace without increasing congestion.
• Energy-efficient operations: Airports are implementing energy-saving measures to contribute to greener aviation. There has been a wide use of electric ground support equipment like conveyors, baggage carts, vehicles, and more. Similarly, airport infrastructure is being remodelled with smart lighting and modern HVAC systems for optimal energy use. For example, Heathrow Airport has electrified a large portion of its ground fleet, resulting in a 16% reduction in operational emissions.

Initiatives by the aviation industry

The aviation industry has also launched several global and local initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint.

On a global scale, the IATA has set ambitious goals for promoting environmental sustainability. It encourages the use of SAFs and pushes for carbon-neutral growth through new technologies and improved operational practices. It also advocates for a global carbon offsetting mechanism under the CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme forInternational Aviation) program, which aims to offset CO2 emissions from international flights.

Airlines are coming up with their own green initiatives too. Lufthansa Airways is testing and integrating SAFs into their fleets and British Airways provides passengers with the option to offset their carbon emissions, allowing them to contribute to sustainability efforts.

Policies and regulations

There are many regulatory frameworks focused on improving the aviation industry's efforts to reduce its environmental impact.

• In the U.S., the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge aims to scale up the production of SAFs. It has set a target of producing 3 billion gallons annually by 2030.
• The European Union aims to include the non-CO2 climate effects in the European emissions trading agreements. According to the preliminary agreement in the European Parliament, airlines will have to report pollutants from 2025 onwards.
• Asian countries like Japan and Singapore are implementing stricter emissions standards for airlines, urging them to adopt more sustainable practices. Carbon credit systems like CORSIA require airlines to offset their carbon emissions by investing in renewable energy projects.

 Benefits of green air travels

Green air travel is one of the key steps toward achieving sustainability in the aviation industry. Let us explore some of the benefits green aviation offers for building a more efficient and cleaner future.

• Environmental impact: Green air travel promotes the use of sustainable aviation fuels that are produced to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. On average, SAFs can reduce the overall CO2 emissions by 80% when compared to traditional jet fuels.Adopting renewable sources of energy and improving fuel efficiency also helps airlines reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and other non-renewable energy sources. Similarly, hydrogen-based technologies and electric engines will minimize the flow of harmful particulate matter and other pollutants into the atmosphere, thereby improving air quality.
• Investment and ROI: Green aviation technologies are a smart financial move for airlines to build a long-term strategy. While the costs of using SAFs are significant,ScienceDirect's Journal of Air Transport Management revealed that switching to SAFs and fuel-efficient aircraft will reduce operational costs in the long run. Similarly, sustainable airlines can access green funding, subsidies, and other tax incentives for research and development. It can also help them attract ESG-focused investors and gain access to additional capital.
• Competitive advantage: Green air travel offers airlines an edge in the crowded aviation market. It helps them position themselves as market leaders in sustainability. For example, Lufthansa's Green Fares campaign promotes their use of SAFs and carbon offsetting programs to build cleaner air travel. It has also managed to capture a larger share of eco-conscious travelers and win their trust. Lastly, green aviation helps airlines stay compliant with the regulatory changes in carbon emissions and future-proof their operations.

On the flip side, green flights might result in higher costs for customers. Sustainable fuels and advanced technologies require airlines to make hefty investments. For instance, investing in SAF is currently 2 to 4 times more expensive than conventional jet fuel. This is further impacted by the maintenance costs of such energy-efficient aircraft.

However, these costs may decrease with technological advancements and industry growth. Thus, making green air travel more accessible to a large number of travelers.

The future of green air travel

The future of green air travel looks promising with groundbreaking innovations aimed at net zero emissions and enhancing fuel efficiency.

Battery-powered aircraft will be introduced for short-haul flights covering distances of a few hundred kilometers. The electric engine and batteries can significantly reduce direct emissions or contrails. However, the current batteries are too heavy and lack excellent storage capacity so there is continuous research and development being made to optimize these batteries and aircraft for wider use.

For example, Eviation Aircraft is working on their prototype 'Alice' that will offer battery-powered, zero-emission flights carrying around 90 passengers for routes up to 500 miles. Thus reducing the carbon footprint of short-distance travel.

Alternatively, airlines will be using CO2-free alternatives like e-kerosene to propel their engines and fly the aircraft. E-kerosene is produced in a climate-neutral way by using green electricity, becoming a sustainable fuel alternative.

Dynamic flight route optimization will become more widespread. With the help of predictive analytics and real-time data access, airlines will be able to make mid-flight adjustments to avoid high-wind zones and congested airspaces. This will lead to significant fuel savings and reduced flight delays.

Besides these advancements, technology will play an important role in decarbonization. Zuno Carbon’s end-to-end ESG solution, can help airlines measure, report on, and reduce their carbon footprint. It can help companies identify emission hotspots and guide sustainable practices toward a low-carbon future of aviation.

Flying is considered to be the most environmentally harmful mode of transport, however, green air travel offers a potential solution. By reducing GHGs, utilizing SAFs, and implementing more energy-efficient technologies, green air travel can help to mitigate the aviation industry's impact on the environment.

Coupling these initiatives with Zuno Carbon’s solution can further help companies within the aviation industry manage their carbon footprint and achieve their sustainability goals. Want to find out more? Contact Zuno Carbon for a demo to learn more about how we can help your business navigate its sustainability journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is green air travel?
Green air travel involves reducing the impact the aviation industry has on the planet. It includes sustainable practices like using cleaner fuels, devising smarter flight routes, and leveraging new technologies to make aviation more environmentally friendly.

Is sustainable air travel possible?

Yes, with the help of innovations and technology, aviation companies can take steps towards reducing their carbon footprint. For example, enhanced air traffic management systems, electric and hybrid planes, cleaner fuels, and more. However, it does remain a challenging goal, considering high costs and regulatory conditions.

How can airlines be more sustainable?

Airlines can improve sustainability practices by:

• Adopting eco-friendly practices like using greener biofuels.
• Upgrading to fuel-efficient aircraft.
• Optimizing flight paths and routes.
• Reducing waste onboard.
• Optimizing cargo operations.