Despite the differences in lifestyle, almost every person in this world dreams to be able to fly in either business or first class at least once in their life. I know I definitely want to. The luxurious seats, the mouth-watering food and the heart-warming services provided on flights are extremely tempting. These are some of the things that are noticed by frequent flyers and upon which feedback and recommendations are depended. However, what about the things that aren’t exactly visible? Like the amount of energy and fuel needed for an airplane to survive the entire trip. On average, each flight emits around 90kg of carbon dioxide per passenger per hour. Now imagine a flight from Tokyo to California, the two very ends of the Earth. That’s a lot of hours and a lot of greenhouse gases emitted just for around 100-200 passengers to have a comfortable trip to their destination.
Is it worth it? Isn’t there any other solution?
Well yes! There is another way to have an easy, laid-back flight without complicating the atmosphere. Air Canada for instance, has recently order 30 electric planes that will be in full function by 2028. As an effort in moving towards their decarbonization aims, the airline has also started developing sustainable fuel and a carbon-capture system to reduce the amount of carbon emissions into the environment. United Airlines also purchased 200 of these electric planes that can seat only 19 passengers. Electric Alice Aircrafts that are just nine-seaters are also being bought by the Global Crossing Airline, which will function as carbon-neutral charter services across the Bahamas, Florida, and the Caribbean. These specific kinds of green aircrafts produce zero carbon emissions along with a reduction in noise pollution and operating cost. United Airlines had their perfect moment when they improved their fuel efficiency by 135% between 1978 and 2021. This has helped the atmosphere by saving over 5.5 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions. To make it more under stable, that is equivalent to removing 28 million cars off the road per year.
By 2050, the UN has agreed to make aviation a net-zero carbon emission industry. Now this is highly important given the fact that the aviation industry is responsible for 2.4% of global emissions.
Our very own famous UK airline, British Airways launched the British Better World programme. This programme comprises of short, medium, and long-term initiatives. From investing in more efficient aircrafts to removal projects to reduce emissions on domestic flights to slowly introducing sustainable fuel using waste feedstock and using zero emission hydrogen-powered aircrafts, this airline has also decided to join in the 2050 aim of reducing carbon emissions to zero. The company also ensured sustainability on ground by switching to electric pushback vehicles instead of diesel.
Travelling is normally the most common kind of passion that everyone holds and dreams of. Seeing new countries and learning new cultures. However, after everything that the world has given us tourism wise, it is time to give a little something back too. Let me know what airline you choose to travel with next time? Do not forget to check if they are eco-friendly!