Fly Eco-Friendly Airlines : 2024

Covid has gone! It’s been 4+ years now. Visa offices across the world are flooded with tourist, immigration, and business travel requests. Pent-up demand is huge and not receding. Queues are never-ending. Who is thinking about the environment? Will Fly Eco-Friendly Airlinesbe a reality?

As people become more environmentally concerned, it is critical to understand which airlines are taking measures to reduce their (and their customers’) carbon footprint.

Air transport connects people, countries, and cultures around the world. Its economic importance is enormous, it drives employment and it ensures the fast and reliable flow of goods. At the same time, it has undesirable effects on the climate and the environment.

Airlines the world over should take responsibility for effective climate protection seriously – with a clearly defined path toward CO₂ neutrality.

An eco-friendly airline is an airline company that prioritizes environmentally sustainable practices in its operations, such as reducing carbon emissions, minimizing waste, and promoting sustainable tourism. These airlines are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and minimizing the negative impact of air travel on the environment. Therefore offering Travel By Green Aeroplanes

To make Fly Eco-Friendly Airlines a reality, airlines can take various steps such as investing in more fuel-efficient planes, using renewable energy sources, implementing recycling programs, reducing food waste, and encouraging passengers to offset their carbon emissions. Some airlines also participate in carbon offset programs or purchase carbon credits to support renewable energy projects or reforestation efforts.

Fly eco-friendly airlines also strive to minimize their impact on local communities by supporting local conservation efforts and promoting sustainable tourism practices. This can include partnering with local organizations to promote eco-friendly tourism activities, encouraging passengers to engage in responsible tourism practices, and supporting community development initiatives.

Overall, eco-friendly airlines aim to balance the economic benefits of air travel with their responsibility to protect the environment and promote sustainable practices.

What are the ways through which An Airline can become eco-friendly?

Despite popular belief, air travel is one of the most ecologically friendly modes of transportation.

“The average fuel usage per passenger transported by aviation is less than 4 litres per 100km”

And as airlines work to improve fuel efficiency to meet internal and industry standards, this figure will rise year after year.

Ways through which an airline can become eco-friendly:

Invest in Fuel-Efficient Planes

Airplanes that use less fuel are more environmentally friendly, so airlines can invest in more fuel-efficient planes to reduce their carbon footprint.

Upgrading to a more environmentally friendly fleet

Older aircraft use more kerosene, amongst other materials. Newer green aeroplanes also have winglets, which are added to the end of wings to reduce drag and fuel consumption.

Use Sustainable Biofuels (SAF- Sustainable Aviation Fuels):

Airlines can use sustainable biofuels made from sources like algae, jatropha, and other renewable resources to reduce carbon emissions.

The waste fats, oils, and greases used to produce SAF today will not meet demands across the industry, as they are in limited supply. Looks at below video from Nestle

As the SAF industry scales, additional feedstock accompanied by different conversion technologies will need to be commercially deployed to continue to increase supply for the industry.

Lifecycle Comparison of Conventional and Sustainable Fuel: Courtesy United Airlines

Reduce Single-Use Plastics:

Airlines can reduce their plastic waste by providing reusable cups, utensils, and containers onboard and encouraging passengers to bring their own water bottles.

Using more environmentally friendly materials

The use of more environmentally friendly materials not only applies to the aircraft itself (such as installing carbon fibre seats), but also the materials used for magazines (and even cutting them out completely), beverage carts (making them lighter), and removing in-flight telephones.

Promote Recycling Programs:

Airline companies can encourage recycling by providing recycling bins in airports and onboard planes and by using recycled materials in their operations.

Offset Carbon Emissions:

Airlines can offset their carbon emissions by participating in carbon offset programs or purchasing carbon credits to support renewable energy projects or reforestation efforts.

Adopt Sustainable Operations:

Airlines can implement sustainable operations practices such as reducing energy consumption, using renewable energy sources, and optimizing flight routes to reduce fuel consumption.

Promote Sustainable Tourism:

Airlines can encourage sustainable tourism practices such as promoting eco-friendly destinations, supporting local conservation efforts, and partnering with local organizations to promote responsible tourism practices.

Serving environmentally friendly meals

Many airlines are expanding vegan and vegetarian in-flight meal options, as a result of changing consumer demand. Meatless in-flight meals are more environmentally friendly, as industrial meat production has a negative impact on the environment.

Offering passengers more choice

Many low-cost, no-frills airlines lead the way with the aim of being more environmentally friendly, due to the fact that they ‘unbundle’ fares, allowing passengers the choice of what to purchase and what to leave out. Not only can this save travelers money, but this can also be more environmentally friendly, due to many choosing carry-on bags only.

In early 2023, United Airlines became the first U.S. airline to show travelers an estimate of their flight’s carbon footprint when booking, on a per economy seat passenger basis. It’s an excellent step towards transparency with travelers.

By adopting these practices, airlines can reduce their environmental impact and promote sustainability in the aviation industry. And offer Travel By Green Aeroplanes to their travellers.

Which are the most Eco-Friendly Airlines Offering Travel By Green Aeroplanes?

Several airlines have taken steps to become more eco-friendly and reduce their environmental impact. Here are some examples of the most eco-friendly airlines offering Travel By Green Aeroplanes:

Delta Air Lines:

Delta has committed to reducing its carbon emissions by 50% by 2050. It has invested in more fuel-efficient green aeroplanes and sustainable aviation fuels.

Airlines is working to reduce its environmental effect. Mostly in terms of fuel emissions, but also in terms of water and hazardous waste. It also aims at creating a recycling program.

It also announced a future strategy and stated its aim to engage in carbon offsets by purchasing regularly carbon offsets. Delta is also working to eliminate all single-use plastic goods from their green aeroplanes. Stir sticks, wrappers and utensils are examples of such goods. Each year, Delta is anticipated to recover about 300,000 pounds of plastic garbage.

Delta Air Lines made a $1 billion commitment over the next ten years to reduce all emissions in March 2020.

Post 2021, the airline continues to invest in driving innovation, expanding clean air travel technology, speeding carbon emission and waste reductions.

Qantas

Qantas was the first airline to commit to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. And has invested in sustainable aviation fuels, carbon offset programs, and waste reduction initiatives.

Originally an Australian airline, Qantas has recently pledged to reduce carbon emissions by 25% by 2030 (from 2019 levels). And achieve net zero emissions by 2050. They’ve also pledged $50 million over the next ten years to help Australia create a sustainable aviation fuel.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines has set a goal to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2025. And has invested in more fuel-efficient green aeroplanes, sustainable aviation fuels, and carbon offset programs.

Alaska’s roadmap to 2040 includes five focus areas to decarbonize air travel by 2040 – fleet renewal, operational efficiency, sustainable aviation fuel, novel propulsion and high-quality carbon offsetting technology.

United Airlines:

United Airlines pledged a net zero goal of becoming 100% green by eliminating GHG(Green House Gas) emissions by 100% by 2050. This too without relying on the use of traditional carbon offsets, like planting trees or purchasing voluntary offsets. They were the first airline globally to publicly announce they would not rely on offsets to realize climate goals. They believe that, while this is the hard thing to do, it’s the right thing to do.

United’s 2022 GHG emissions are as mentioned below:

United’s commitment to SAF :

Finnair

Finnair has set a goal to reduce its carbon emissions by 60% by 2025. And has invested in more fuel-efficient green aero planes, sustainable aviation fuels, and carbon offset programs. It is one the most committed Airlines to climate change cause.

Under the “Destination: carbon neutrality” program FinnAir feels that For a sustainable future, everyone needs to pull their weight. To put words into action, FinnAir is committed to going carbon neutral in 2045. As they work towards the long-run goal, they expect to have cut their emissions by half already in 2025.

Answering the question How? To them, the key lies in operating an efficient fleet with direct, short routes for fewer emissions and investing in more fuel-efficient flight planning and flying. It lies in reducing the weight of their green aeroplanes, as every kilogram onboard has an impact on fuel burn and emissions. They are also increasing sustainable aviation fuel usage with their partners, to enable them to boost and develop biofuel production in Finland.

Last but not least, FinAir is investing in circular economy and material management, reducing for example single-use plastics and food waste in all their operations.

Airlines will be introducing carbon offsetting in the near future as one means to reach net zero.

JetBlue

JetBlue has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050 and has invested in more fuel-efficient green aeroplanes, sustainable aviation fuels, and carbon offset programs.

These airlines have shown a commitment to reducing their carbon footprint and promoting sustainability in the aviation industry through various initiatives and investments.

The airline committed to moving away from using diesel and petrol for ground-based electric equipment such as bag tugs and belt loaders. In 2013, Jetblue introduced an onboard recycling program, alongside a partnership with Dunkin’ Donuts, Jamba Juice, and Royal Waste Services to compost food waste at JFK Airport’s Terminal 5. The ‘Jetblue T5 Farm’ at New York’s JFK Airport is the world’s first blue potato farm based at an airport, and the T5 Rooftop is the only post-security outdoor space at a New York airport.

The airline is offering various programs to increase awareness of sustainability:

Sustainable Travel Partners

JetBlue’s Sustainable Travel Partners provide JetBlue’s corporate customers the resources and data needed to lower business travel emissions—fueling their customers forward to meet sustainability travel goals. That’s best for business, and best for the earth.

Sustainable operations

On the ground and in the air, JetBlue is always looking to reduce the number of natural resources used from reusing and recycling materials to transitioning conventional diesel and gasoline vehicles to electric equipment and investing in the next generation of sustainable aviation start-ups.

Sustainable Tourism

Nobody benefits when oceans and beaches are polluted, or when local biodiversity is threatened. Destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean make up one-third of JetBlue’s route network, and the ecosystem health and natural appearance of these destinations have a direct impact on business.

American Airlines

American Airlines has committed to investing in modern, more efficient green aeroplanes – whether this is by investing in brand new aircraft, or upgrading planes not yet ready for retirement. The airline looks for innovative ways to reduce costs and emissions, including installation of winglets to wing ends, shaving weight on aircraft, paperless cabins, and implementation of one-engine taxiing.

In April 2022, American Airlines declared directional pathways to Net Zero in 2050. See Below

Cool Effect partnership with American Airlines:

American Airlines is proud to partner with the nonprofit Cool Effect to help you offset the carbon emissions of your flight.

As a traveller, when you buy a carbon offset through Cool Effect, you support high-quality, verified carbon reduction projects that help protect and conserve planet’s resources. American Airlines recognize that connecting flyers with the world impacts the environment, and carbon offsetting is one element of its strategy for reducing that impact.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

Since 2008, KLM’s climate action plan has ensured that the airline is more sustainable in the sky and on the ground.

Responsible waste management, material recycling and measures to decrease noise pollution are just a few ways in which KLM has made steps to improve the environmental impact of the company.

Below is a depiction of their roadmap till 2050

Lufthansa

The Lufthansa Group has set itself ambitious climate protection goals and aims to achieve a neutral CO₂ balance by 2050. Already by 2030, the aviation group wants to halve its net CO₂ emissions compared to 2019. To this end, the Lufthansa Group is pursuing a clearly defined reduction path.

This has been successfully validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) in August 2022 and makes the Lufthansa Group the first aviation group in Europe with a scientifically based CO₂ reduction target in line with the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement of 2015.

In reducing CO₂, the Lufthansa Group is focusing in particular on accelerated fleet modernization, continuous optimization of flight operations, the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels, and innovative offers for travellers to make air travel and freight transport CO₂-neutral.

By the end of this decade, around 200 fuel-efficient green aeroplanes are to be delivered to the airlines of the Lufthansa Group. Latest-generation green aeroplanes require up to 30 percent less fuel than their respective predecessors and emit correspondingly less CO₂.

The Lufthansa Group secured SAF for a quarter of a billion US-Dollars in order to be able to meet the foreseeable increase in demand in the coming years.

The Lufthansa group claims that it will be the world’s first airline group to offer a new product for more climate-friendly flying from early 2023. The Green Fares will make it possible to fly more sustainably with just one click, as the new fares already include offsetting of flight-related CO₂ emissions. This is achieved by using 20 percent Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and 80 percent by contributing to high-quality climate protection projects. The Green Fares also offer additional status miles and a free rebooking option.

Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific endeavors to ‘be the world’s best airline’ and focuses particularly on the following environmental issues: climate change, waste, air quality, noise, water, conservation, and biodiversity.

The Cathay Pacific ‘Fly Greener‘ program gives Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon passengers the opportunity to reduce the carbon dioxide generated from air travel in a simple, credible way.

Travellers are able to purchase carbon offsets for their journeys, and the airline offers an online carbon offset calculator which allows passengers to work out what their journeys will use, and what they can buy to help offset this.

“We are reaffirming our commitment to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 by pledging to use Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for 10% of our total fuel consumption by 2030.”

“The use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is key to decarbonising our operations over the next few decades. Cathay Pacific already has a head start in this space with our investment and offtake agreement with Fulcrum Bioenergy. Our new commitment to have SAF comprise 10% of our total fuel consumption by 2030 is a clear signal of our determination to achieve our net-zero emissions target and to be a leader in the fight against climate change,” says Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Officer Augustus Tang. “The ability to achieve this target does not rest with airlines alone. We are calling on support from various stakeholder groups to help make it a reality, from policy makers, the energy sector, aircraft and engine manufacturers, and even our customers, who are keen to reduce their carbon footprint. Only by joining hands can we meet this ambitious goal together.”

First to partner with Airbus to use SAF on new green aeroplanes delivery flights from its facility in Toulouse, France. Since the partnership started in 2016, Cathay Pacific has taken delivery of over 40 brand-new Green Aeroplanes using blended SAF.

British Airways

British Airways, as an industry leader, is proud to be part of the first airline group in the world (IAG) to commit to becoming carbon net zero by 2050. They have invested in new, modern Green Aeroplanes that are up to 40% more efficient than the aircraft they replace and made changes to the way they fly to further reduce emissions. They’ve also formed partnerships to support the development of sustainable aviation fuel, zero-emissions hydrogen-powered Green Aeroplanes, and carbon capture technology.

British Airways also has plans to create a plant that will turn everyday household and commercial waste into jet fuel to be used for its green airplanes. The legacy carrier plans to build the plant on a site in Lincolnshire and predicts that it will transform more than 500,00 tonnes of waste into fuel a year.

Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines is my favorite. And so is Changi Airport!

When it comes to carbon neutrality, they’re not sitting on the fence.

Every day, more than 200 SA planes take to the sky. Singapore Airlines joined the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in its commitment to reducing the industry’s emissions in three stages – a 1.5% improvement in fuel efficiency each year from 2009 to 2020; carbon-neutral growth from 2020; and 50% absolute reduction in carbon emissions by 2050.

Saving the Harapan Rainforest

Harapan Rainforest is one of the few remaining lowland forests in Indonesia. It’s home to more than 300 species of birds and mammals, including the critically endangered Sumatran tiger and Malayan tapir. The Indonesian government has awarded a 100-year license to a group of organizations to protect this 100,000-hectare rainforest. Singapore Airlines is the exclusive airline partner for this conservation project.

Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic’s top environmental policy is concerned with aircraft fuel and reduction of carbon emissions, alongside aircraft waste and noise, combined ground operations, and supply chain work.

The airline’s new targets set a clear pathway to net zero by 2050, to achieve:

By 2026: 15% gross reduction in CO₂/RTK achieved through continued fleet transformation and operational efficiency
By 2030: 15% net reduction in total CO₂ emissions, including 10% of fuel sourced from sustainable aviation fuel
By 2040: 40% net reduction in total CO₂ emissions

“For more than a decade we’ve been leading the way in the decarbonisation of the aviation industry, and now as we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic we have a unique opportunity to ensure we return to the skies more sustainably. The carbon targets outlined today will help us achieve this as we work tirelessly on mission to reach net zero emissions by 2050.” Says Shai Weiss, CEO, Virgin Atlantic,

Etihad

Etihad Airways are partnering with the Abu Dhabi Waste Management Center on a project to explore how municipal waste can be converted into jet fuel.

One of the aims of the project is to use the final jet fuel on Etihad Airways’ flights. This shows the commitment that the airline has toward cutting-edge environmental advances and reducing the airline’s dependency on fossil fuels.

Etihad has invested in modern and fuel-efficient green aeroplanes, retiring less-efficient planes. 37% of flights are already serviced by electric tractors, and by November 2021, their entire fleet would have been on E-Tech Log. That means we’ll use less paper as part of their operations.

Through their partnership with CarbonClick, you can offset your carbon emissions when you fly. This way you can support their projects that fight climate change. You can even donate your Etihad Guest Miles.

By carrying just 5kg less baggage, you’ll reduce your carbon footprint by 5%.

Xiamen Airlines

As part of its #WEINACTION campaign, Xiamen Airlines operated a variety of themed flights in 2018. The themed flights featured customized meals, movies, radios, and souvenirs to promote awareness for ‘life on land’ and safeguard terrestrial biodiversity. Xiamen Airlines continues to run these themed flights on a regular basis.

Air Canada

In 2019, Air Canada began decreasing the usage of single-use plastic on all of its flights. The airline began by replacing plastic drink stirrers with wooden drink stirrers, which will save 35 million plastic drink stirrers each year.

In 2020, the airline continues to assist the development of lower-carbon Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) in Canada while working towards carbon-neutral growth for international aviation.

China Airlines

China Airlines provides ‘ECO TRAVEL Carbon Offsetting,’ a service that allows customers to participate in carbon offsetting and minimize their carbon footprint and emissions while flying.

ECO TRAVEL Carbon offsetting allows China Airlines customers to trace their flight’s emissions and, through the UK business ClimateCare, offset their carbon footprint with ecologically beneficial carbon reduction initiatives.

SAS Scandinavian Airlines

SAS Scandinavian Airlines has set a target of reducing carbon emissions by 25% between 2005 and 2030. The airline has indicated that the key two variables in achieving this would be upgrading its aircraft and employing biofuels. The airline placed an order for an Airbus A320 Neo in 2018, which lowered fuel usage and emissions by about 15%. Additionally, the airline intends to replace all of the gasoline used on domestic flights with sustainable biofuel.

SAS has also engaged in a carbon offsetting program that offsets all Business, Youth, and EuroBonus passengers, as well as providing the same choice to all other passengers.

SAS declared in 2019 that it will no longer offer duty-free products in flight. This will minimize the overall weight carried on the aircraft, resulting in the airline utilizing less fuel every trip.

Air France

REDUCE CO₂ EMISSIONS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE AND AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

Global greenhouse gas emissions in 2019 were around 60 billion tonnes of equivalent CO₂. To reach the international goal of carbon neutrality, these must be reduced to 10 billion tonnes by 2050.

Therefore, AirFrance’s climate strategy focuses on reducing CO₂ emissions as rapidly as possible, primarily those generated by operations.

Air France’s commitment to the environment, and to ensure an emissions reduction trajectory in line with The Paris Agreement, the Air France Group is targeting a 30% reduction in emissions per passenger-kilometer in 2030 compared to 2019.

For Air France, this corresponds to a 12% reduction in total CO₂ emissions over this period, excluding offsets, based on current traffic development assumptions.

To achieve this, they are implementing three major priority actions – fleet renewal, the progressive use of sustainable aviation fuel, and eco-piloting.

You can make a difference by flying with a contemporary airline, flying the shortest, most direct route, and in the right direction from the start, or carrying a kilogram less for your next trip.

Eco-Friendly Airlines FAQs: Travel By Green Aeroplanes

What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is an alternative to conventional jet fuel. Its potential to scale is due to its ‘drop-in’ readiness, which means it can be used in current operations with existing infrastructure – no changes to fuel systems or aircraft engines are required.

While combusting SAF still releases CO₂, like conventional jet fuel, the production of SAF generates much lower emissions than the production of conventional jet fuel, as SAF is made from renewable materials (referred to as feedstock), rather than drilled fossil oil.

Many SAF suppliers use feedstock like waste fats and used cooking oils and greases, which are otherwise considered waste to make SAF. This process reduces emissions from SAF up to 85% on a lifecycle basis compared to conventional jet fuel, lowering the emissions across value chain and operations.

What are the advantages of using sustainable aviation fuel?

It has been widely acknowledged that sustainable aviation fuel will be the most impactful measure to eliminate fossil jet fuel.
Depending on the conversion technology and raw materials used, sustainable aviation fuel can reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by around 80% compared to fossil fuels.

Sustainable aviation fuel also produces less non-CO2 emissions, which increases greenhouse gas reduction efficiency. This significantly reduces the carbon footprint of flying.

What does the “SAF purchase included” mean next to my flight details? Am I paying some extra?

For example, per each sold Finnair flight ticket operated by Finnair or Norra, Airline uses a small amount for purchasing sustainable aviation fuel. Currently, the amount allocated for sustainable aviation fuel is around €0.20 per flight ticket, and it’s included in the customer’s flight price.

Sustainable aviation fuel purchases will take place throughout the year for an Airline. However, sustainable aviation fuel will not be used on specific flights but is purchased and used by the book and claim principle. Airlines are becoming more transparent with upfront declarations for travellers to make informed decisions while choosing an airline.

How do I know if my flight has sustainable aviation fuel?

Sustainable aviation fuel is purchased and used based on the book and claim principle, in which the fuel is not physically delivered and loaded onto a particular aircraft or flight. This approach enables airlines to assert the environmental advantages associated with their SAF purchase. A similar mechanism is used in the green electricity market.

For example, currently, the amount allocated for sustainable aviation fuel is around €0.20 per Finnair flight ticket and it’s included in the flight price. This means approximately 1,200 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel annually, which equals 630 flights between Helsinki and Tallinn.

Why is there sustainable aviation fuel included in each ticket?

Many Airlines have a goal to increase the use of sustainable aviation fuel. And all the allocated money goes directly to sustainable aviation fuel purchases. Increasing sustainable aviation fuel usage directly reduces emissions from flights and supports the development of the sustainable aviation fuel market by boosting demand and supply.

The European Union has agreed to ramp up SAF usage over the next few decades and is about to implement an EU-wide mandate in 2025. There are also a few national SAF mandates in force in some of the EU countries. Part of sustainable aviation fuel purchases goes towards fulfilling these mandates.

The increased use of sustainable aviation fuel will bring additional costs for airlines, as fuel is one of the largest cost items for an airline. Sustainable aviation fuel is 2–5 times more expensive than regular jet fuel. The increased fuel costs arising from sustainable aviation fuel will likely be reflected in ticket prices in the coming years.

With the EU regulation, the requirements for using sustainable aviation fuel will apply to all EU airlines, and therefore the costs will increase for all EU airlines.

Using sustainable aviation fuel is an essential part of CO2 emission reduction actions. By increasing the use of sustainable aviation fuel, we can contribute to developing sustainable aviation fuel infrastructure and help create a more sustainable aviation industry in the long run.

How is my flight offset calculated on American Airlines through Cool Effect?

Cool Effect harnesses the EPA’s most recently established emission factor data (2018) and approximates flight lengths from credible online sources. In order to estimate the total metric tonnage of greenhouse gas emissions per flight, Cool Effect combines emissions of carbon dioxide (1:1), methane (25:1) and nitrous oxide (298:1) and adjusts for the distinct global warming potential of each gas.
Cool Effect then applies these values over three different flight-length categories: Short, Medium and Long Haul. The purposeful inclusion of methane and nitrous oxide distinguishes this Flight Emissions Calculator from other sources, which often include solely carbon dioxide in their calculations.
By selecting a length of flight, the calculator automatically applies the correct equation for emissions in economy class, then multiples it by the average price per tonne for the American Airlines portfolio of carbon offset projects. The system automatically applies your purchase evenly over all of the projects. When you purchase carbon credits equivalent to your flight emissions, you are offsetting the footprint of your air travel.

Which airline has the least environmental impact?

All of the airlines featured in this guide are among the most ecologically friendly in the world. KLM, Lufthansa, British Airways, Alaska Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Delta Air Lines are among the top competitors with the least environmental effect.

Sustainable aviation fuel is considerably more expensive than conventional fuel – will this price difference be reflected in your ticket prices?

On January 1st, 2022, a regulatory obligation to incorporate 1% sustainable aviation fuel on all flights departing from France came into force.

This represents an additional cost of around €30 million eg for Air France given the current price of these fuels. This additional cost has been passed on to the customer in the form of a transparent contribution included in ticket prices, from 1 to 4 euros in the Economy cabin, and from 1.50 to 12 euros in the Business cabin, depending on the distance.

Customers have the opportunity to voluntarily contribute to the purchase of additional sustainable aviation fuel on some airline website eg Air France in order to help increase the use of these fuels. Each euro of voluntary contribution is fully invested in the purchase of these fuels.

Some airlines are allowing passengers to use their miles to offset this increase.

Hydrogen-powered and electric aircraft, what are your thoughts on these future technologies?

Hydrogen-powered aircraft would offer great potential for reducing the climate impact of air travel, as combustion theoretically only emits water. This is a long-term project that most Airlines support, eg Air France or Lufthansa.

Its development will require overcoming major technological challenges, particularly related to the storage of liquid hydrogen (requiring four times the volume of kerosene) and the development of a complete logistics chain. And its commissioning date remains uncertain.

Moreover, the first aircraft will be used over short distances, with a reduced number of passengers. Just like the electric aircraft and its limited commercial possibilities (transport of a few dozen people maximum). This will not address in the short term the main source of emissions: long-distance flights.

However, Airlines remain very open and follow with interest these technological breakthroughs and the opportunities they offer, while focusing on deploying as a priority the solutions that are immediately available to reduce emissions as quickly as possible.

What are the Tips for flying in an eco-friendly manner?

Flying can have a significant impact on the environment due to carbon emissions. However, there are ways you can minimize your impact and fly in a more eco-friendly manner. Here are some tips:

-Choose a direct flight
-Choose an airline that uses modern Green Aeroplanes
-Choose economy class
-Pack light
-Bring a reusable water bottle
-Consider offsetting your carbon emissions
-Use public transportation or walk

Remember, every little step counts towards reducing your carbon footprint when flying.