What are airlines doing to help reduce our carbon footprint?

Events are back and the majority of us certainly agree that the best way to do business is face-to-face. However, we face the issue of #sustainability, and the impact airline travel has on getting to these events.

?The aviation industry accounts for around 2.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, but this measures well over 50% when it comes to our carbon footprint impact when attending events around the world. This figure is projected to increase due to the growing demand for air travel. As such, airlines have been working to reduce their carbon footprints by implementing various measures to lower their carbon emissions for long-haul travel. In recent years, airlines have taken steps towards sustainability by adopting more environmentally friendly policies.

One of the most significant ways in which airlines are reducing their carbon emissions is through the use of alternative fuels. #Biofuels, for example, are an attractive alternative to traditional aviation fuels because they can significantly reduce the amount of greenhouse gases emitted during flight. These fuels are produced from plants such as seaweed, jatropha, and algae, which can be grown sustainably and emit relatively low levels of greenhouse gases during production.

Several airlines around the world have been testing biofuels in their aircraft. In 2011, for example, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines conducted the world's first commercial flight using sustainable biofuels made from used cooking oil. In subsequent years, airlines such as British Airways , Virgin Atlantic , and United Airlines have also started using biofuels on selected flights. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has set a target of 2% of total jet fuel consumption to be derived from sustainable aviation fuel by 2025, rising to 5% by 2030.

Another way in which airlines are reducing their carbon emissions is through the use of more fuel-efficient aircraft. Modern airplanes, such as the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner, are equipped with more advanced engines, aerodynamics, and materials that significantly reduce their fuel consumption. These aircraft can fly farther, faster, and with fewer emissions than older models, leading to a significant reduction in carbon emissions.

Airlines are also investing in electric and hybrid aircraft technologies. Companies such as #Airbus and #Boeing, are developing electric and hybrid aircraft that are expected to enter operation in the coming decades. These aircraft use electric motors and rechargeable batteries that significantly reduce their emissions, making them an attractive option for long-haul travel. While electric aircraft are still in the early stages of development, they have the potential to revolutionize the aviation industry in the coming years.

In addition to improving the technology used in flight, airlines are also implementing measures to reduce emissions on the ground. Many airlines are implementing environmental policies to better manage their operations, such as adopting recycling programs for waste materials, reducing energy consumption in their offices and buildings, and using sustainable supplies wherever possible.

Airlines are also working to reduce their carbon emissions by investing in carbon offset programs. These programs allow airlines to offset their carbon emissions by funding environmental projects that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in other areas. For example, airlines can purchase credits to support renewable energy projects, reforestation efforts, or other sustainable programs that aim to reduce carbon emissions.

Several airlines have taken it upon themselves to introduce more sustainable practices in their operations. For example, Delta Air Lines has committed to carbon neutrality by 2030 and investing $1 billion dollars in technologies and programs that reduce carbon emissions and waste. Qantas , on the other hand, implemented the world’s first-ever zero-emission flight in 2020.

Airlines are also starting to look into the concept of circularity, which involves building products and processes that focus on keeping resources in use for as long as possible. This means the adoption of more sustainable materials, processes that reduce waste and energy usage in product design, and responsible sourcing practices. In 2018, the #UnitedNations launched the Sustainable Development Goals for aviation, providing a framework for airlines to achieve a more sustainable future.

In conclusion, airlines have a sustainability agenda and are actively taking measures to reduce their carbon footprint for long-haul travel. They are investing in more sustainable technologies, such as alternative fuels and electric aircraft, implementing environmental policies, and reducing emissions both in-flight and on the ground. While there is still a long way to go before the aviation industry can become truly carbon-neutral, airlines’ efforts in the past decade have already created foundational advancements towards a more sustainable future.