Reducing carbon footprint has been all the rage for many industries as the threat of continued global warming ensues. There have been calls for all industries to lower their carbon dioxide emissions (termed as their carbon footprint) in order to lower the global rise in temperature resulting in abnormal weather patterns around the world. As one can see therefore, there is a powerful impetus for change.
The aviation industry has responded to this.
At the International Air Transport Association (IATA) 77th Annual General Meeting in Boston in the United States on the 4th October 2021, a resolution was passed by IATA member airlines committing them to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. This is a considerable commitment by an organisation representing 80% of the world’s airlines. There are a number of areas the IATA is targeting in order to meet this objective.
SAF
According to the IATA, it is estimated that 65% of the reduction in the industry’s carbon footprint centre around SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel). SAF is a plant based fuel which produces 80% less carbon emissions when compared to traditional jet fuel. This fuel is made from a variety of plant-based sources including agricultural waste, waste oils and fats, as well as forestry residues and non food crops. It is considered sustainable as it does not compete with land needed for growing crops and does not result in deforestation or loss of biodiversity in clearing land for cultivation.
So far more than 40 countries around the world have announced SAF projects. Many airlines already use SAF such as Virgin Atlantic, British Airways and Turkish Airlines. In 2024, 1.25 billion litres of SAF were produced. However in order for SAF to help meet the target of net zero by 2050, there has to be a massive increase in production. Nevertheless, the IATA feels that it is possible to replace almost all jet fuel with SAF by 2050.
New Technology, electric and hydrogen
13% of the reduction in carbon footprint is estimated to be achievable through the use of New Technology. In particular, the creation of hybrid electric and purely electric planes will help. Hybrid-electric planes, where an electric system works in conjunction with a traditional combustion engine, greatly reduces carbon emissions. The combustion engine only works in conjunction with the electric system during take off and the electric system takes over afterwards. Combustion engines would also be of lower weight, reducing overall fuel consumption. Whilst this is not ideal as traditional fuel is still needed, the production of hybrid planes paves the way for the production of electric planes. Fully electric planes have a much lower carbon footprint especially if renewable sources are used to produce electricity. At the moment, however, the batteries which power electric planes are far heavier than the equivalent fuel for traditional aircraft.
Hydrogen is a carbon free fuel and can operate with traditional combustion engines or as part of electric batteries. It is also three times lighter than traditional jet fuel but has 4 times the volume, which would necessitate fundamental changes in the fuel systems of aircraft. Nevertheless, hydrogen powered planes as well as hybrid and pure electric planes, have the potential to enter service in the 2030’s. There are also developments in making planes more aerodynamic which reduces wind resistance thereby reducing fuel consumption.
Offsets, Carbon Capture, And Operational Efficiencies
Offsets and carbon capture alone have the potential to reduce the aviation industry’s carbon footprint by 19%. Offsetting involves forest conservation and rehabilitation of peat lands which help absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Carbon capture involves using large fans to filter through air using a chemical absorbent to absorb carbon dioxide which can then be stored and used for the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel.
Operational and Infrastructure improvements account for 3% of the potential reduction in carbon footprint for the aviation industry. These improvements include, for example, reducing delays at airports so that planes spend less fuel taxiing (which is essentially moving on route between the airport and runway). In addition, using lighter cabin equipment and automated systems to improve efficiency can also reduce fuel consumption and therefore improve the industry’s carbon footprint.
To conclude, therefore, there are a number of improvements that are taking place in the industry as a whole to reduce carbon emissions and the industry’s carbon footprint. We hope that the IATA’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions to net zero emissions by 2050 are realised but we will have to wait to see how this progresses.
On the whole, a lot of work is taking place to reduce airlines’ carbon footprint. What is your opinion on the industry’s efforts in this regard?
