Hey urban nomads! We all know about how much the aviation industry is polluting the environment. However, all hope is not lost as we are now able to travel sustainably since the industry is upping its environmentally friendly game.

Sustainable Aviation Fuels 

Airlines are now adopting alternative fuels called sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) which originates from sustainable oil crops, wood and waste biomass.  Relative to fossil fuels, SAF reduces about 80% of carbon dioxide emissions compared to conventional fuel. Also, SAF contains fewer impurities e.g. sulphur which means an even greater decrease in sulphur dioxide and particulate matter emissions.

Comparison between fossil fuel and sustainable aviation fuel

SAF is an attractive alternative as it helps to diversify supply since it is not limited to locations where fossil fuels are found and aid in energy security. In theory, feedstocks can be grown all around the world depending on the natural environment (Air Transport Action Group, 2017).

Emissions Calculator 

The International Civil Aviation Organization launched an emissions calculator which allows individuals to estimate the carbon dioxide emissions of a flight (International Civil Aviation Organization). It is simple to use only needs a few information from individuals.

Emissions calculator

Such tools help individuals see the impact of their consumption on emissions and promote alternative behaviors. Although an individual might not make much impact on its own, collectively, we can result in greater change if we decide to make a conscious decision.

United Airlines “Flight for the Planet” 

United Airlines “Flight for the Planet” from Chicago to Los Angeles

In the following example, we will analyse the case study of United Airlines “Flight for the Planet”  – also termed as the most eco-friendly flight by the United Airlines. The Boeing 737-900 flight, with 161 passengers, was powered by a mix of fuel – not just conventional fossil fuel but 30% consists of biofuel derived from agricultural waste. The United Airlines has been using biofuel, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 60% (Gilbertson, 2019).

The environmental goal of this flight is to have 0 cabin waste rather than the average 65 pounds of garbage. In total, 14 pounds of garbage was collected, although all of it was attributed to contribution from passengers’ waste (Gilbertson, 2019).

Food served on “Flight for the Planet using compostable plate and cutlery

Rather than using disposables, plastic containers and cups, the airline serves meals on compostable plates and hot beverages were served in recyclable paper cups. This initiative was reported to be the first of its kind among the aviation industry (Gilbertson, 2019).

However, using biofuels may not be as environmentally friendly as it seems as requires a lot of land and causes land use change. In order to have significant reduction on emissions, we need to grow more crops for biofuel. Also, using alternative fuels may result in a “rebound effect” as travellers are less guilty about flying since lesson emissions is being released – which could render the positive gains of a transition to cleaner fuels useless (Bassetti, 2019).

In conclusion, travellers are unlikely to stop flying especially with the rise of real income and travelling is seen as a way of relaxation and status of wealth. Current tools, such as emissions calculators do not provide enough and detailed information for travelers to make educated decisions. Hence, technological advancement is needed to create more efficient way of flying and to reduce energy usage.

References

Air Transport Action Group. (2017). Beginner’s Guide to Sustainable Aviation Fuel.   Retrieved from https://aviationbenefits.org/media/166152/beginners-guide-to-saf_web.pdf

Bassetti, F. (2019, December 02). Can We Fly Sustainably  . Retrieved September 25, 2020, from https://www.climateforesight.eu/future-earth/can-we-fly-sustainably/

Gilbertson, D. (2019, June 06). Biofuel, beeswax wraps and recyclable coffee cups: United debuts ‘eco-friendly flight’. Retrieved September 25, 2020, from https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/flights/2019/06/06/united-airlines-eco-friendly-flight-biofuel-cabin-waste-recyclable-cups/1358168001/

International Civil Aviation Organization. ICAO Carbon Emissions Calculator.   Retrieved from https://www.icao.int/environmental-protection/Carbonoffset/Pages/default.aspx