Preserving our world and our future is of the utmost importance and sustainability has become a major priority. As one of the most carbon-intensive industries, aviation has always been under intense scrutiny. Private aviation especially, will remain in the firing line because so much fuel is burned to transport so few passengers. We’ve talked to pilots and industry experts to find out whether sustainability in aviation is truly possible or merely a marketing strategy.
Is sustainability in aviation truly possible or merely a marketing strategy?
What share of global carbon emissions comes from aviation?
According to Our world in data, in 2020, agriculture, forestry and land use contributed to 18.4% of carbon emissions, of which livestock and manure constituted 5.8%. Aviation, in comparison, contributed less than a third of that with 1.9% of global CO₂ emissions, even though it’s one of the most carbon-intensive industries in the world. This is simply because not everyone can afford flying.
However, salaries are set to increase and so is flying worldwide. Naturally, it follows that the industry needs to change and take initiatives that’ll make a real difference. We’ve taken a look at what operators are currently doing, how you as a passenger can play your part in sustainable flying and what the future holds.
The aviation industry contributes less than a third of the carbon dioxide emitted by livestock and manure
What’s really being done by aircraft operators?
Airline operators can’t afford to neglect the importance of sustainability. The world is watching and is sure to hold them accountable. The European authorities, for instance, have implemented several regulations to decarbonize aviation in order to make Europe the world's first carbon-neutral continent by 2050.
Airlines are gradually modernizing their fleet and replacing older aircraft with more fuel-efficient models
To this end, nearly every operator has implemented various initiatives, among which so-called green SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) to foster eco-friendly behaviors, but the greatest impact to date is through fleet modernization.
Fuel policy
Pilots are usually instructed to carry extra fuel only if really necessary, for example for weather avoidance or when delays are expected. This is a judgement call. At the end of the day, how much fuel to take is an important decision entrusted to the pilots as they’re responsible for the safe operation of the flight. Safety will always be the greatest priority. Additionally, it’s common practice that when congestion is expected en-route, delays are absorbed on the ground to minimize fuel burnings.
A fuel-efficient fleet
In all honesty, operators are already quite motivated to develop a sustainability strategy because there are financial advantages. For instance, by introducing engines that are more powerful and much more fuel-efficient. As an example, the new LEAP 1A engines that are being used on the Airbus A320 family and the Boeing B737-MAX save an impressive 15% in fuel compared to the older CFM engines.
Burning less fuel means huge cost savings for the airlines and a vast reduction in carbon emissions. It’s a win-win. While procuring brand new aircraft is extremely expensive, many operators are gradually modernizing their fleet and replacing older aircraft with more fuel-efficient models. The long-term gains, after all, are worth the investment.
Green SOPs
You’ll find green SOPs in the operating manuals of most operators. Procedures like shutting down one engine for taxi in, and maybe even for taxi out. They might also encourage pilots to select a lower flap setting when landing. The flaps extend to increase the wing surface, so that the aircraft can fly at a lower speed when coming in for landing. Selecting a lower flap setting means you’ll fly a bit faster, but you’ll have less drag and therefore less fuel consumption.
Other initiatives
Other procedures include various bits and bobs like introducing a digital, paper-free flight deck by replacing paperwork with iPads or tablets. In the cabin, operators may use recycled cups or napkins and opt to reduce or get rid entirely of single-use plastics. These may be smaller efforts, but it all adds up in the end!
There’s also the aspect of protecting against noise pollution. Many airports already have noise abatement procedures in place that instruct the pilots on how to minimize engine thrust – and the associated noise – around the airfield and the nearby city. The newer engines are also much more silent, which makes for a more comfortable working environment for the crew and less noise pollution for civilians.
What can you do as a passenger?
If minimizing environmental impact is important to you, there are many eco-friendly choices you can make. First and foremost, when discussing your options with your private jet broker, you can request operators that use sustainable aviation fuel (see below) or that have invested in a modern, fuel-efficient fleet.
Carbon offsetting programs are another option to reduce your carbon footprint. Through these programs, passengers buy carbon credits. The credits offset or compensate for the carbon emissions generated by their private flight by investing in sustainable projects that reduce emissions elsewhere. E.g. reforestation or energy renewal programs.
