3 Steps airlines could take to slash emissions by 50%

⭐ Join our community and access the best we offer!

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Skift or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: A new study suggests that airlines could reduce carbon emissions by up to 50% by focusing on three key actions: eliminating premium seating, flying newer, more efficient aircraft, and maximizing seat occupancy
• The research challenges the aviation industry's over-reliance on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which, though promising, is insufficient to meet the sector's future emissions goals

🔭 The context: The aviation sector has long relied on SAF to reduce emissions, with projections stating that it could reduce emissions by up to 70%
• However, SAF accounts for a tiny fraction (0.8%) of current jet fuel use, and its availability remains limited, making it difficult for airlines to meet their 2050 net-zero goals

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Cutting aviation emissions through these strategies would significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the air travel sector
• By flying more efficient aircraft and reducing the number of premium seats, airlines could lower per-passenger emissions, helping combat climate change without relying solely on SAF

⏭️ What's next: The study calls for a reevaluation of current aviation strategies, especially the prioritization of luxury seating
• As airlines face challenges in meeting environmental targets, these cost-effective steps may provide immediate and tangible benefits, pushing the industry closer to decarbonization

💬 One quote: “If air transport fuel demand doubles, following these three points makes it far more likely we can move closer towards using SAF in the future.” — Stefan Gössling, Professor of Tourism Research, Linnaeus University

📈 One stat: The U.S. has flights that are 14% more polluting than the global average, according to the study, primarily due to older aircraft and inefficient air traffic systems

See on illuminem's Data Hub™ the sustainability performance — carbon credit purchases, total emissions, and climate targets of thousands of companies

Click for more news covering the latest on sustainable aviation