Sustainable Flights: How Airlines Reduce Carbon Emissions

The aviation industry has long been a major contributor to carbon emissions, with airlines responsible for around 2% of global CO2 emissions. In recent years, however, many airlines have been taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint and operate more sustainably.

Let’s see what airlines can do to make our world greener!

Use fuel-efficient aircraft

One way airlines are reducing their carbon footprint is through the use of more fuel-efficient aircraft. Fortunately, newer planes are designed to be more aerodynamic and use less fuel, resulting in lower emissions. For example, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Airbus A350 XWB are two planes that use significantly less fuel than older models.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel is the key!

Image: Reuters.

Another approach airlines are taking is to use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). 

SAF is made from renewable sources like waste oils, crops, and forestry residues, and can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel. Some airlines, like KLM and United Airlines, have already started using SAF for some of their flights.

China Airlines is making significant progress in sustainable aviation too. They have confirmed that flights operating between Taipei and Singapore, will serve as their latest sustainability demonstration flights. China Airlines will become the first Taiwanese airline to operate a passenger-carrying flight using SAF, setting a milestone for sustainability in the Taiwanese transportation industry.

Partner up with green projects

Airlines are also investing in carbon offset programs, which allow passengers to offset the emissions from their flight by paying for projects that reduce carbon emissions elsewhere. For example, Delta Air Lines has partnered with The Nature Conservancy to fund forest conservation and reforestation projects around the world.

Reduce, reuse and recycle

Image: polkadotpassport.com

In addition to these measures, airlines are also taking steps to reduce waste and implement more sustainable practices. For example, Cathay Pacific has eliminated single-use plastics on their flights and replaced them with eco-friendly alternatives, while other airlines have already pledged to recycle all of their waste.

As the world becomes more environmentally conscious, airlines are taking action to reduce their carbon footprint and operate more sustainably, changing the future for the aviation industry.