Summer is fast approaching in the Northern Hemisphere. As the days pass and preparations come to a close, the push for greener aviation is more tangible than ever. With airports buzzing and travelers on the move, the industry is working hard to ensure that flights are not just punctual but also easier on the planet.
In the past weeks, sustainability efforts in Europe and beyond have taken new steps forward. The latest Environmental Report by EASA has sparked optimism around achieving the industry’s Net-Zero target. Meanwhile, the highly anticipated Flight Emissions Labels are on the way to help travelers make more eco-conscious choices. And, to top it off, new stories of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) success are unfolding.
Join us as we explore these topics in our monthly wrap-up.
EASA’s Environmental Report Charts a Clearer Path to Net-Zero
EASA set the tone for the season with its latest European Aviation Environmental Report (EAER). The document was created in cooperation with the European Commission, EUROCONTROL, and the European Environment Agency. It offers an encouraging snapshot of the sector’s environmental progress and a clear roadmap for what comes next.
In 2023, flights departing from EU+EFTA countries produced 10% fewer CO₂ emissions than in 2019. Emissions per passenger-kilometer dropped to 83 grams, reflecting more efficient aircraft and better operations.
One of the headline takeaways is the rise of Sustainable Aviation Fuels. With the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation now in force, Europe is mandating a SAF blend that starts at 2% in 2025 and increases to 70% by 2050. While SAF currently makes up just 0.53% of global jet fuel use, investment is ramping up to expand production and reduce costs.
At ground level, airports are also stepping up. Over 100 airports in Europe aim to reach net-zero emissions by 2030 or earlier. Many are already running ground operations on renewable energy and adapting infrastructure for SAF.
The report also highlights progress in noise reduction, air quality monitoring, and stricter regulations as part of the EU’s Zero Pollution Action Plan.
Recommendations
The EAER outlines eight forward-looking recommendations to support the sector’s transition, including:
- Setting more ambitious aircraft CO₂ and noise standards
- Accelerating deployment of SAF and infrastructure
- Promoting electrification and clean energy at airports
- Advancing research into hydrogen and battery-electric aircraft
- Expanding market-based incentives like the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS)
Together, these measures strike a balance between environmental goals and safe, reliable air travel.
Making Sustainable Choices More Transparent
Imagine booking a flight and seeing, right next to the fare, a label showing your CO₂ impact and how your choice compares to others. This is no longer a dream. It’s becoming a reality in Europe.
The Flight Emissions Label (FEL) gives passengers access to standardized, data-backed emissions estimates. Rolling out by July 2025, FEL will apply to flights departing from or within the European Union.
Powered by EASA
Unlike general estimates based on assumptions, the FEL is rooted in real-world flight data. Developed in collaboration with EASA, the label considers multiple factors like aircraft fuel efficiency, seat configuration, and passenger and cargo loads. The methodology is standardized and publicly accessible, giving it both credibility and transparency.
Participating airlines can voluntarily include the label on booking platforms. The data will also account for fleet age, aircraft type, and even class of travel. For example, you could see flying economy, choosing a newer aircraft, or picking a fuller flight can lower your carbon footprint.
The Motor Behind This Initiative
EASA’s research shows that over 80% of European travelers want to know their flight’s environmental impact. Yet only 5% currently feel they have access to that kind of information. The Flight Emissions Label helps bridge this gap, creating a practical way for consumers to support the decarbonization of aviation.
But this is about more than information. It’s a signal to the industry. By highlighting more efficient aircraft and routes, the label encourages airlines to modernize their fleets, adopt cleaner fuels, and optimize operations.
With a standardized system led by EASA, environmental claims must now be backed by measurable data. This added clarity helps restore trust and creates a level playing field for airlines genuinely working toward greener aviation targets.
SAF Goes Global
This May, two major SAF milestones made headlines on opposite sides of the globe. From the sun-drenched deserts of West Texas to the fuel pipelines of Sydney Airport, these initiatives are putting greener aviation firmly on the map.
1. Project Roadrunner: A SAF Giant in Texas
Deep in Pecos, Texas, construction is underway on what’s being called the world’s largest commercial green hydrogen-based SAF facility. Project Roadrunner is led by Infinium, a pioneer in e-fuels that first made waves with its Project Pathfinder.
The plant is expected to produce up to 23,000 tons of e-fuels annually, thanks to a combination of green hydrogen technology and 150 MW of new wind power. The output is already earmarked under a 10-year deal with the International Airlines Group (IAG).
With this project, the U.S. demonstrates that it´s not just testing SAF but building industrial-scale infrastructure to supply global aviation with low-carbon alternatives.
2. Qantas Champions Australia’s Largest SAF Import
Qantas, Sydney Airport, and Ampol celebrated Australia’s largest commercial import of SAF: nearly 2 million liters of unblended fuel sourced from Malaysia. Once blended at approximately 18% with conventional jet fuel, it will enter Sydney Airport’s supply chain.
This fuel will power roughly 900 Qantas and Jetstar flights between Sydney and Auckland, cutting total carbon emissions by 3,400 tons. That’s the equivalent of removing 800 cars from the road for a year!
Qantas projects that domestic SAF manufacturing could add A$13 billion in GDP annually by 2040, support 13,000 feedstock supply jobs, and create 5,000 new facility roles.
OTP Rankings: Punctuality Meets Planet-Friendly Operations
While Sustainable Aviation Fuels get the headlines, enhancing operational efficiency is one of the most immediate ways to support greener aviation efforts. Fewer delays mean less fuel burned, shorter taxi times, and better airspace use.
According to Cirium, these were the top performers:
Global Top Performer
- Scandinavian Airlines (SAS): 88.32%
Regional Leaders
- North America: Spirit Airlines – 83.25%
- Latin America: Copa Airlines – 94.01%
- Europe: Icelandair – 91.21%
- Asia-Pacific: Philippine Airlines – 86.07%
- Middle East & Africa: Royal Jordanian – 92.36%
So, staying on time helps the environment and keeps passengers happy. It’s another example of how sustainability and performance go hand in hand.
Clear Skies for Greener Aviation
As we cruise into the busiest travel months of the year, there’s reason for optimism.
The European Aviation Environmental Report highlights both the progress already made and the journey ahead.
In a broader context, initiatives like the Flight Emissions Label are vital stepping stones. They may not reduce emissions directly, but they empower travelers to make smart choices.
Finally, beyond major investments in advanced tech and Sustainable Aviation Fuels infrastructure, we see how crucial the focus on operational efficiency is. Punctuality is no longer just a mark of reliability. It’s a meaningful part of a lower-emission air travel system.
The runway toward net-zero is being built: one policy, one flight, and one choice at a time.
>> What do you think aviation should prioritize first in its sustainability efforts? Let us know in the comments.
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