Is it blue skies for sustainable aviation?

Sustainable Aviation is the UK aviation sector's collective, long-term strategy to drive a cleaner, quieter, smarter future. Launched in 2005, this initiative unites major UK airlines, airports, manufacturers, and service providers to tackle four key goals.

Air Quality

The 2017 Sustainable Aviation report revealed that UK aircraft emissions contribute just 1% of nitrogen oxide (NOx) and 0.1% of particulate emissions (PM10). Current strategies to improve air quality include:

• Cutting aircraft emissions: New aircraft are 20% more fuel-efficient than their predecessors. Future goals target a 90% NOx reduction by 2050.
• Modernising airspace to reduce delays and emissions.
• Supporting low-emission vehicles and sustainable aviation fuel investment.

Climate Change

To achieve net-zero aviation emissions by 2050, the UK sector is focusing on next-gen aircraft, Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs), and carbon removal. By 2019, a 30% passenger increase was achieved with only a 1% rise in CO2 emissions (vs. 2005), and the industry aims to cut CO2 while increasing growth by 78%. Key steps include:

• Hydrogen-powered test flights and sustainable fuel use, exemplified by 450,000 SAF-blended flights globally.
• Milestones like the first 100% SAF-powered transatlantic flight in 2023.

Noise

Aircraft noise has fallen 75% in the last 50 years, with the latest designs achieving a noise footprint 30-50% smaller than older models. Current noise reduction strategies involve:

• Enhancements in aircraft and engine technology.
• Airspace modernisation and improved operational procedures.
• Land use planning – improving land use planning controls around UK airports
• Enhanced community engagement to address noise impacts.

Social & Economic

UK aviation is the third largest globally, contributing around £22 billion to GDP and supporting nearly 1 million jobs. The sector remains focused on sustainable growth that meets both economic and environmental goals.

Looking Forward

As Matt Gorman, Chair of Sustainable Aviation, stated:

We will only protect the benefits of aviation if we take the carbon out of flying.” 

By 2023, UK passenger numbers rose by 21% (since 2005), while carbon emissions dropped by 9%, largely due to newer, efficient aircraft and early airspace modernisation.