Taking Flight Towards a Greener Future: Steps Airlines Can Take to Reduce Emissions
(2023) FLYL01 20231School of Aviation
- Abstract
- Background: For decades, aviation has been an important part of society and with its growth comes the increased environmental impact and the challenge to reduce this adversary effect and move towards sustainability. Objective: Find out how airlines can reduce their emissions and become more sustainable. Method: A literature review was conducted including scientific articles, data from Airbus and one airline to answer the problem definition. Results: Three pillars were identified in order to achieve the objective: efficient ground and aircraft operation, the use of sustainable aviation fuel, and advancement in aircraft and engine technology. Conclusion: While there are several challenges in establishing a sustainable airline, the adoption... (More)
- Background: For decades, aviation has been an important part of society and with its growth comes the increased environmental impact and the challenge to reduce this adversary effect and move towards sustainability. Objective: Find out how airlines can reduce their emissions and become more sustainable. Method: A literature review was conducted including scientific articles, data from Airbus and one airline to answer the problem definition. Results: Three pillars were identified in order to achieve the objective: efficient ground and aircraft operation, the use of sustainable aviation fuel, and advancement in aircraft and engine technology. Conclusion: While there are several challenges in establishing a sustainable airline, the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel at an accessible price is essential for a more significant impact on the environment. Today, the maximum blending ratio for sustainable aviation fuel stands up to 50 percent, but we need to reach 100 percent. In addition to technological advancement in fuel types, there are some prompt actions we can take today for an immediate effect and impact, such as efficient ground and aircraft operations. Alongside this, crew education and motivation are imperative to achieve fuel savings and emission reduction. However, an airline's financial stability and business model may impede their commitment to prioritizing sustainability measures. (Less)
- Popular Abstract
- The aviation industry has long played a vital role in the global economy and society, offering a fast and efficient means of travel and connecting people worldwide. Prior to the advent of air travel, alternative transportation options were often inefficient and time-consuming. Ensuring the well-being of a society necessitates the availability and accessibility of essential services like ambulances, firefighting, and other critical functions, all of which depend on air transportation. However, the rapid growth of the aviation sector has come at a considerable environmental cost, particularly in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, sustainability has emerged as a paramount concern for governments, consumers, and the industry in... (More)
- The aviation industry has long played a vital role in the global economy and society, offering a fast and efficient means of travel and connecting people worldwide. Prior to the advent of air travel, alternative transportation options were often inefficient and time-consuming. Ensuring the well-being of a society necessitates the availability and accessibility of essential services like ambulances, firefighting, and other critical functions, all of which depend on air transportation. However, the rapid growth of the aviation sector has come at a considerable environmental cost, particularly in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, sustainability has emerged as a paramount concern for governments, consumers, and the industry in recent years (Kronold & Nyström, 2023).
In our research, we have identified three essential pillars for reducing emissions and fostering sustainability in the aviation industry. These pillars encompass efficient ground and aircraft operations, the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), and advancements in aircraft and engine technology.
The first pillar involves the implementation of more efficient ground and aircraft operations, through the adoption of streamlined procedures and the reduction of unnecessary aircraft weight. By minimizing the weight carried, fuel consumption is reduced, subsequently leading to lower emissions. Flight crews can adopt procedures and techniques to conserve fuel during all phases of flight, further contributing to emissions reduction. However, the success of this pillar relies heavily on crew motivation and commitment, as their active involvement is vital for achieving optimal results.
The second pillar focuses on the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), which demonstrates a lower net carbon emission footprint and greater environmental friendliness compared to traditional jet fuel. Currently, regulations allow for a blending ratio of up to 50% SAF with traditional jet fuel. However, a significant impact on environmental effects and emission reduction can only be achieved by transitioning to 100% SAF usage.
The third and final pillar involves the replacement of existing aircraft with newer models and engines that offer substantial improvements in fuel economy and emissions. Recent studies made in 2022 by Royal Netherlands Aerospace Center indicate that these advancements can lead to a remarkable 48% enhancement in both fuel efficiency and emission reduction compared to their predecessors.
In conclusion, immediate emission reductions can be achieved by implementing the first pillar, albeit with limited impact. However, for substantial and lasting improvements, the integration of the second and third pillars is imperative. By combining all three pillars, airlines can effectively reduce their environmental footprint and advance towards a more sustainable aviation industry.
Ultimately, the business model employed by airlines may pose a barrier to their engagement in fuel reduction and emission reduction initiatives. Considering that fuel costs typically account for approximately 30% of an airline's operating expenses, when an airline is not responsible for bearing the cost of fuel, but rather it is covered by another party, their priorities may shift towards minimizing costs in other areas instead of making investments in fuel-saving and emission reducing strategies. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
http://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/record/9120463
- author
- Kronold, Rabin LU and Nyström, Mikael LU
- supervisor
- organization
- course
- FLYL01 20231
- year
- 2023
- type
- M2 - Bachelor Degree
- subject
- keywords
- Sustainability, Aviation, Management, Emissions, Carbon footprint, Ground and aircraft operation, Fuel consumption, Contrails, Aircraft-Induced Clouds, Greenhouse gas emissions, Sustainable Aviation Fuel, FLYL01
- language
- English
- id
- 9120463
- date added to LUP
- 2023-06-28 10:34:49
- date last changed
- 2023-06-28 10:34:49
@misc{9120463,
abstract = {{Background: For decades, aviation has been an important part of society and with its growth comes the increased environmental impact and the challenge to reduce this adversary effect and move towards sustainability. Objective: Find out how airlines can reduce their emissions and become more sustainable. Method: A literature review was conducted including scientific articles, data from Airbus and one airline to answer the problem definition. Results: Three pillars were identified in order to achieve the objective: efficient ground and aircraft operation, the use of sustainable aviation fuel, and advancement in aircraft and engine technology. Conclusion: While there are several challenges in establishing a sustainable airline, the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel at an accessible price is essential for a more significant impact on the environment. Today, the maximum blending ratio for sustainable aviation fuel stands up to 50 percent, but we need to reach 100 percent. In addition to technological advancement in fuel types, there are some prompt actions we can take today for an immediate effect and impact, such as efficient ground and aircraft operations. Alongside this, crew education and motivation are imperative to achieve fuel savings and emission reduction. However, an airline's financial stability and business model may impede their commitment to prioritizing sustainability measures.}},
author = {{Kronold, Rabin and Nyström, Mikael}},
language = {{eng}},
note = {{Student Paper}},
title = {{Taking Flight Towards a Greener Future: Steps Airlines Can Take to Reduce Emissions}},
year = {{2023}},
}