FIGHT MORE FLIGHTS INFOSHEET: can aviation emissions be reduced?

Aviation has become more efficient since it became clear emissions were contributing to climate change. And research into more ways to reduce emission is underway. However, there are not yet breakthrough that could reduce the scale of the problem, let alone avoid increases in flight numbers making the problem worse. These are some of the proposals being trialled.

Proposed ways to reduce aviation emissions

Decarbonising aviation presents a significant challenge, with various strategies currently being explored and tested. The summary here draws on this  FAQ on aviation produced by No Airport Expansion campaign, and a recent webinar organised by Biofuelwatch.

·        Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) is not yet ready to replace conventional jet fuel, with challenges related to availability and cost. Global SAF production reached approximately 1 million tonnes (1.3 billion litres) in 2024, doubling the 2023 figure, with further increases to around 2.1 million tonnes forecast for 2025. It can be blended with conventional jet fuel (currently up to 50% for most flights, with testing underway for 100% SAF flights) without requiring modifications. It uses feedstocks (e.g. used cooking oil, animal fats, agricultural waste, municipal solid waste) and emerging technologies using CO2 and green hydrogen. Hydrotreated Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA), derived from fats, oils, and greases, is the most common production method. The EU’s ReFuelEU Aviation mandate starts at 2% in 2025, rising to 70% by 2050. and the UK is supports SAF production, such as with the Advanced Fuels Fund.

However,  SAF is currently up to 5 times more expensive than conventional jet fuel, and ensuring a sustainable and scalable supply of diverse feedstocks is uncertain, especially if it needs land-use change and competes with food production. The webinar we attended recently underlined the way in which attempts to produce SAF and "renewable diesel" use high quantities of energy to create the fuel, and are drawing on natural resources already causing harm (such as palm plantations replacing natural habitat forests)/ If you wish to raise these issues with your MP, this info was provided: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/title-of-your-campaign-ask-your-mp-to-oppose-damaging-aviation-biofuels?source=direct_link& 

• Fuel-Efficient Aircraft and Technology: Ongoing advancements in aircraft design and engine technology contribute to more fuel-efficient planes. Newer aircraft models are typically 15-20% more efficient than previous generations. Efforts include reducing weight, improving aerodynamics (e.g., wingtip technology), and optimising engine performance.

• Operational Efficiencies: Airlines and airports can implement measures to reduce fuel burn during flights and ground operations. This includes optimising flight paths, reducing unnecessary taxiing, and using fixed electrical ground power and pre-conditioned air systems at gates instead of aircraft auxiliary power units.

• Improved Air Traffic Management: More efficient navigation systems and procedures can lead to more direct routes and reduced flight times, contributing to fuel savings and emission reductions.

• Electrification of Ground Operations: Replacing diesel-powered ground support equipment and vehicles with electric alternatives can reduce emissions at airports.

• Market-Based Measures: Schemes like the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) aim to offset emissions growth through carbon credits. The EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) is also being strengthened for intra-European flights, with a move towards full auctioning of allowances by 2026. Read about the difficulties of such schemes, in this factsheet on carbon offsets.

  
  

More info here:  FAQ on aviation produced by No Airport Expansion campaign

“Best practice” examples of sustainable airport expansion (as noted elsewhere – airports themselves are only a small proportion of the emissions generated by aviation)

Airports globally are adopting sustainability measures as part of their development, with some implementing integrated approaches. These are examples included by Newcastle Airport in its Masterplan 2040 document:

• Renewable Energy Integration and Self-Sufficiency:

  • Cochin International Airport (India): world’s first airport to be 100% powered by solar energy, utilising a large solar array on airport buildings and surrounding land.

  • Denver International Airport (USA): Hosts one of the largest solar power plants at a US airport, with multiple arrays generating significant electricity.

• Circular Economy and Waste Management Innovations:

  • Rome Fiumicino Airport (Italy): on-site composting, processing up to 1,000 metric tonnes of food waste annually from terminal restaurants and bars, with compost used for airport’s landscaped areas; biological wastewater treatment plant for on-site water recycling, helping 30% reduction in water consumption.

  • Galapagos Ecological Airport (Ecuador): Constructed with 80% recycled materials, including steel from decommissioned oil extraction infrastructure.

• Integrated Design, Biophilic Principles, and Energy Efficiency:

  • Singapore Changi Airport: extensive natural lighting, large glass panels, skylights to reduce energy consumption. Terminal 4 also features smart cooling systems that adjust temperatures based on human traffic.

  • Frankfurt International Airport (Germany): extensive system of green roofs covering about 40,000 m² to improve air quality, temperature regulation, and provide noise reduction.

• Advanced Operational Efficiencies and Digitalization:

  • Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (Netherlands): aims for emission-free and zero-waste operations by 2030, and to be circular energy-positive company by 2050. Runs entirely on Dutch wind power and electrifying ground fleets, and exploring fully autonomous airside operations by 2050 to optimise efficiency and reduce emissions.

  • Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (Spain): solar lighting systems, uses geothermal climate control systems in buildings, along with AI-powered air traffic management systems to optimise flight routes and reduce fuel consumption.

• Community Engagement and Local Economy Integration:

  • Some airports are exploring developing farm-to-airport supply chains to source food locally for airport restaurants and potentially airline catering, supporting local economies and reducing transport emissions.

  • Initiatives to invest in local community decarbonisation (e.g. supporting the replacement of domestic boilers with heat pumps) also being explored.

• Smart Building and Energy Management:

  • Airports are increasingly adopting IoT sensors and real-time data analytics to monitor and optimize energy consumption across all facilities, leading to automatic power-down systems for escalators, conveyors, and lighting when not in use.

  • Newcastle Airport has stated commitments to expanding its solar farm, installing wind turbines and transitioning to an EV fleet, aligning with some of these global practices.