The Big Question: Should we be flying during a climate crisis?

Aviation currently accounts for 2-3% of global CO2 emissions, which will rise as other industries decarbonise. But it is also estimated aviation’s annual economic contribution is $3.5 trillion and is due to rise to $6.3 trillion by 2038. So the real question isn’t whether flying should be restricted, but how decarbonisation should be tackled to avoid this becoming a choice between global connectivity and preserving the environment. Both should be possible.

The global aviation sector has agreed to net-zero by 2050, and the wider industry is investing longer-term in technologies like electric and hydrogen, while focusing on fleet transformation and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the near term, along with airspace modernisation and operational efficiencies.

Some airlines like Virgin Atlantic already have sustainability at the heart of core decisions, including fleet investment to boost fuel efficiency by 11-30% and partnering with SAF providers to support demand, and advance SAF development and production, to hit a target of 10% SAF use by 2030 – the most viable route to reduce emissions in the next few decades.

We need synchronised action from government, oil majors, technology providers, airlines and corporate customers. SAF will deliver the short-term carbon reduction we need before hydrogen or electric technology becomes more prominent, but it needs policy support, and demand signals from airlines and corporate travellers, before producers can unleash exponential growth in supply and adoption.

This approach is also needed for out-of- sector technologies like carbon removal – not offsets – that require policy support or investment to make them viable.

Luke Ervine is head of sustainability at Virgin Atlantic.

The climate crisis endangers security and international peace. It is essential to fly in a more sustainable way so aviation can continue to contribute to global connectivity, and social and economic development. The airline industry supported an estimated 87.7 million people worldwide pre-Covid.

Vueling, as part of IAG, belongs to the first airline group worldwide to commit to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. We have been working towards this objective since 2012. By implementing concrete targets, such as committing to using 10% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by 2030, airlines can transparently work towards decarbonisation.

Updating fleets to more efficient models also has a quantifiable impact on reducing emissions; since 2018, Vueling has been renewing the Airbus A320ceo with the A320neo, producing 20% less CO2 emissions.

Straightforward innovations, such as optimising flight paths, are integral to Vueling’s path to net-zero. In addition, Vueling allows passengers to purchase SAF to be supplied on the day of the flight with Vueling doubling passengers’ contributions. More than 50 tonnes of this fuel have been supplied between June 2022, when it was launched, and December 2022.

There is also an over-estimation of the airline sector’s CO2 emissions. In June 2022, according to a survey published by Iata, the public perceives the aviation sector as the second most polluting when in reality, only 2%-3% of total emissions come from aviation.

In an increasingly fast-paced world, aviation offers an escape, connects us with different cultures and people, and drives social and economic development. Transformation of the industry is imperative, but air transport development is compatible with sustainable air travel.

Franc Sanmarti is sustainability director at Vueling.