In response to calls for climate action, the aviation industry has agreed on a plan that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% over 20 years. The airline industry is one of the most vulnerable to climate change, with troubling effects on both travelers and employees. The increased severity of storms has already caused major delays in recent years – just think about how many flights were canceled due to an approaching hurricane last summer!
Hence, looking into sustainable options is the only way the aviation industry can survive climate change. Many aviation companies are now looking into investing in sustainable options. For instance, Blade Urban Air Mobility, founded by Rob Wiesenthal, has partnered with Beta technologies to secure up to 20 BETA Electric Vertical Aircraft (“EVA”) to deliver the futuristic and sustainable passenger service option as early as 2024. Many companies are following suit!
To further explain, here are some of the changes the industry is adapting to reduce its carbon footprint.
1. Technological Innovation
There are many ways in which aircraft manufacturers continue to develop and invest money into more fuel-efficient designs. The latest generation of planes is 15-20% more fuel-efficient than their predecessors while still providing comfortable flights for passengers, all thanks to innovations within the industry! We may even see electric or hybrid models take off on short-haul routes soon enough!
2. Sustainably-Sourced Biofuels
Biofuels are fuels made from plant matter, animal waste, or other organic materials. Airlines use them during landings and take-offs to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) they emit into the atmosphere. There are currently only a few airlines using sustainable alternatives like biofuels to power their flights but there is hope that more will adopt this practice in the future – especially as the price falls.
3. Operational Improvements
Airline companies are making their current fleet lighter and more efficient by using new air traffic control techniques to save emissions. Landing with a continuous descent into an airport saves at least 150kgs of CO2 per flight while adding wingtip devices can reduce fuel use by 4%.
4. Infrastructure Efficiencies
Humans have been using the power of flight for thousands and centuries. But to limit climate change, we need better sustainable solutions like shortening flying times by one minute – which can save 100kgs per trip! With new initiatives coming into play such as those found within America’s newly renovated airports or even just reorganized air traffic management systems across Europe- soon there will be more opportunities than ever before.
5) Market-based measures
The aviation industry is now working to design a global market-based measure that accounts for emissions only once, ensuring passengers do not face multiple layers of taxation. This new system will be more efficient and effective than what exists now because it doesn’t acknowledge country boundaries which leads us back into the old mindset where people think their needs don’t matter outside those who live there or work on location – but this can change!
5. Improving Air Quality
By providing electrical ground power and pre-conditioned air supplies at the terminal gates, airports can enable aircraft to switch off their auxiliary power units (APUs) which reduces fuel burn as well air pollution. In addition, this means shorter waiting times for taxis since more direct paths have been created or if an individual flight needs something like refueling then there won’t be any delays because it’s already done before they arrive!
6. Reducing Noise Pollution
Aircraft noise can be a major irritant for those who live around airports and it has been an ongoing struggle to reduce the levels. However, with significant progress being made in recent years-noise footprints were cut by more than half within just 10 years! It’s estimated that each new generation of aircraft produces 15% less sound pollution overall compared with its predecessor models, which means you might not feel so frustrated when flights take off or land next door anymore! Convenient, isn’t it?
Aviation is working hard to become more sustainable and reduce its environmental impact. There are many objectives that need to be achieved in order for the aviation industry to survive climate change, and fortunately, progress is being made on all fronts. From technological improvements and the development of sustainably-sourced biofuels, to operational efficiencies and better infrastructure management, there are plenty of ways airlines can reduce their carbon footprint. We should applaud these initiatives and continue to support the aviation industry as it strives for a more sustainable future.