CNBNews

The aviation sector is under scrutiny as our world becomes increasingly conscious of the environment. Because of its significant contribution to carbon emissions and climate change, the aviation sector has faced a lot of backlash. Airlines, which are a major component of the aviation industry, can reduce their carbon footprint and adopt eco-friendly practices. Below, we have mentioned six effective ways airlines can become more environmentally responsible.

Embrace Sustainable Aviation Fuels

The airline industry is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. One effective way in which airlines can be more eco-friendly is by embracing sustainable aviation fuels. These are biofuels made from renewable sources like algae, waste oils, and agricultural residues. These fuels have the potential to reduce carbon emissions produced by aircraft by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuels, and they can also help reduce the dependence of the aviation industry on fossil fuels.

Several airlines, like KLM and Alaska, have already embraced sustainable aviation fuels, while others, like Korean Air, have demonstrated their commitment to using SAFs on select flights.

Reduce In-Flight Waste Production

In-flight waste is one major concern for the aviation industry. Every year, the aviation industry produces a significant amount of in-flight waste. Airlines can take several measures to reduce in-flight waste production during flights and make their flights more eco-friendly. This involves using sustainable materials for meal service, packing, and amenities; going paperless and replacing paper-based services with electronic ones; and implementing recycling programs on board. All these initiatives can help airlines significantly cut down on in-flight waste.

Invest in Fuel-Efficient Aircrafts

One significant way in which airlines can make their operations more eco-friendly is by investing in fuel-efficient aircraft. Modern aircraft have come a long way in terms of fuel efficiency. Newer aircraft are designed with lighter materials, advanced aerodynamics, and more efficient engines to improve fuel efficiency. By investing in fuel-efficient aircraft, airlines can reduce their fuel consumption significantly.

Modern-day aircraft like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Airbus A350 are more fuel-efficient than their counterparts available on the market. These aircraft have advanced, fuel-efficient engines and better aerodynamics that lead to less fuel consumption. ANA is an example of an airline that has invested in fuel-efficient aircraft to make its operations more eco-friendly.

Enforce Strict Baggage Policies

For overpackers, this might not sound like a good thing, but airlines can be more eco-friendly by enforcing strict baggage policies. Less weight on a plane makes it more fuel-efficient, and airlines can enforce strict baggage policies and restrictions. It has become common practice for passengers to bring oversized and over-the-weight limit bags, which can not only lead to delays and safety risks but also a heavier load for the plane.

Airlines can enforce strict baggage policies and penalties for going over the limit so that there is less weight on a plane and it is more fuel-efficient.

Sustainable Ground Operations

While focusing on airborne operations is important, airlines should also focus on ground operations to reduce their overall environmental impact. Airlines can collaborate with airports worldwide and make their ground operations more eco-friendly. This involves using renewable energy, reducing waste production, using electric and hybrid ground vehicles, reducing carbon emissions and noise pollution, and creating energy-efficient terminals by using solar panels and energy-efficient systems.

Fill Up Seats

Lastly, airlines should focus on optimizing seat occupancy to reduce their carbon footprint. A full-flight is a win-win situation because for airlines, it means more revenue, and for the environment, there are fewer emissions per passenger. Although filling up seats and achieving a full flight every time is quite difficult,  airlines can focus on promotions to ensure the maximum seat occupancy for each flight.

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