Aviation’s climate impact continues to grow with little progress made towards emission reductions aligned with global targets, however a new study claims a 50% drop in emissions is possible—if airlines drop their high yielding premium classes.
The Large carbon dioxide emissions avoidance potential in improved commercial air transport efficiency report found that a theoretical 50% reduction is possible with the most efficient aircraft, all-economy layouts, and 95% load factors.
Global commercial aviation released between 892 and 936 Mt of CO₂ in 2019 and given the sector is likely to see robust growth over the next 20 years, emissions will continue to rise, say the report authors.
There are some solutions in place, such as sustainable aviation fuel and electric aircraft, but unfortunately technical and economic barriers to e-fuel production and the cost and production limits to SAF means it is unlikely that the sector will decarbonise in line with global climate objectives via these methods.
The report states that less attention has been given to the potential for reducing emissions through improved fuel efficiency in the air transport system, such as using aircraft with economy class-only seating configurations. This would allow airlines to carry 26% to 57% more passengers and, in turn, the report states emissions will drop between 21.5% and 56.7%.
. . . Other Factors
Ditching premium cabins is just one way to enhance efficiencies and therefore reduce emissions; the report also highlights aircraft models and load factors as important.
If all aircraft were replaced with the 787-9 on long-haul routes and the A321neo on short and medium-haul routes (deemed among the most efficient aircraft types) it would result in fuel savings of −25% to −28% depending on market share, says the report.
It also says increasing load factor on flights to 95%, would further reduce emissions by 16.1%. See the report HERE.
