How the Aviation Industry is Working to Prevent Emissions from Taking Off

According to the European Union, aviation contributes about 3% of the EU’s total greenhouse gas emissions, and on a global scale, it accounts for around 2.5%.

Although aviation is one of the most carbon-intensive activities, its emissions appear relatively modest because only a small percentage of the global population flies. However, this is changing, with global air travel increasing since 2010 due to rising incomes and growth in cargo demands, largely driven by e-commerce.

Rising Emissions and Global Demand

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that air cargo demand rose by 11.9% in February 2024, compared to the previous year. Passenger flights are also climbing, reaching a record 40.1 million flights in 2024, up from a pandemic low of 16.9 million in 2020. This resurgence means that managing aviation emissions is more critical than ever.

Adding to this complexity is the impact of military aviation emissions, which may grow as countries increase defense budgets in response to geopolitical tensions. Taken together, these trends underscore an urgent need for robust emission-reduction strategies within aviation.

Regulatory Steps Towards Sustainability

One of the major drivers of change in aviation is regulation, especially in Europe. The European Union's ‘Fit for 55’ plan, introduced in 2021, targets a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Aviation fuel efficiency initiatives already lowered emissions per passenger by 24% between 2005 and 2017. However, as passenger flights continue to increase, further regulatory interventions are essential.

The EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) requires airlines operating in Europe to monitor and offset their emissions, contributing to over 17 million tonnes of CO₂ reduction annually. Additionally, the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) was implemented in 2021 to stabilize emissions at 2020 levels.

Innovative Technologies in Aircraft Design and Fuel

Beyond regulations, technological innovation is a cornerstone of aviation’s sustainability strategy. Improved air traffic management, cutting-edge engine technology, and lighter aircraft materials are driving efficiency gains. Airbus, for instance, reports that Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) can reduce CO₂ emissions by 80% on average compared to traditional fuels. Electric and hydrogen-powered planes are also being tested, with hydrogen propulsion systems set to enter the commercial market in the next decade.

SAF usage is expanding rapidly, with over 450,000 flights already using SAF blends. Innovations like these are helping airlines reduce emissions while supporting growing passenger and cargo volumes. Lightweight materials and design efficiencies are also being implemented industry-wide, driving down emissions on a per-flight basis.

A Multifaceted Approach to Noise and Air Quality

Aside from CO₂, the industry is addressing noise pollution and air quality impacts. Over the past 50 years, aircraft noise has been reduced by 75%, largely through quieter engines and advanced airframes. These improvements, along with land-use planning around airports and better airspace procedures, are minimizing noise impacts for communities near airports.

Air quality goals focus on reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate emissions. New aircraft are now up to 20% more fuel-efficient than previous models, and industry targets aim to cut NOx emissions by 90% by 2050.

Embedding Sustainability into Corporate Strategy

Airlines increasingly recognize that sustainability is integral to business resilience. Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) compliance and other mandated reporting frameworks are raising awareness of the industry’s environmental footprint and the importance of carbon reduction. Airlines have even introduced measures such as luggage weight restrictions to reduce aircraft weight and, thus, emissions. This growing emphasis on reducing aviation’s climate impact reflects the industry’s commitment to integrating environmental responsibility with its operations.