Is the airline industry going greener?

Are you a travel lover who’s always curious to discover new countries and cultures?

If the answer is yes, then you already know how hard it is to plan a trip without feeling guilty about it, especially when flying is the only way to get to your destination.

But have you been wondering if it is possible to fly without damaging the environment? Well, keep on reading to learn more about it.

According to the AIR Transport action group, flights produced around 915 million tonnes of CO2 in 2019 worldwide which represents 2% of global emissions. However, this could rise by around 700% by 2050, according to the predictions made by the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Therefore, the airline industry can be considered as one of the largest contributors to global carbon emissions.

In order to lower the carbon emissions, an anti-flying movement, “flight shame”, was established to encourages people to stop traveling by plane and consider other alternatives to explore the world. However, these environmentally friendly ways of traveling can be slow which makes people ask if it is possible to fly sustainably?

Since green travel is becoming more popular, many airline companies are working to reduce their carbon footprint. So if you are also planning a sustainable trip for your next vacation, read carefully, we are about to reveal the greenest airlines.

Air France

Air France has proven that it is possible to fly sustainably. Indeed, despite rising air traffic, the company has managed to decrease its carbon emissions by 7% from 2005 to 2018 and is aiming to reduce it by 500,000 tons by the year 2020.

In addition, the company is committed to remove more than 1200 tons of single used plastic from its in-flight services that will be replaced by eco-friendlier alternatives on all flights.

Air France implemented a reforestation program, “Trip and Tree” allowing its passengers to reduce their environmental impact for the trip by supporting tree planting projects.

United Airlines

United Airline also has big plans to improve its environmental footprint. The company aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2050.

The company has launched the “Eco-Skies” program showing its commitment to minimizing the environmental impacts associated with its operations and was able to improve fuel efficiency over 30% since 1994.

In 2019, United launched the “Flight For The Planet” that was powered using sustainable biofuel and helped saving 3.3% of fuel, offsetting 40 tonnes of carbon dioxide, and reducing waste by 33%.

Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic has won many awards for being a sustainable airline. In 2011, the company started a sustainable aviation fuel partnership with LanzaTech to convert industrial waste gases into low carbon jet fuel and won the Sustainable Transport and Travel Award for it.

The airline also offers sustainably sourced and organic food on their flights; a small step that can make a difference. In 2018, they won the Innovation award for sustainable onboard food and drink program with Sustainable Restaurant Association.

JetBlue

Would you believe it if we say that it’s possible to fly sustainably with a low-cost airline? Well, congratulations, you just hit the jackpot.

JetBlue invests in newer and more sustainable aircraft in order to protect the environment. Besides, the airline is committed to reducing its carbon emissions and looking for alternative fuel options.

The airline is also offering natural food on its flights and implementing an onboard recycling program.

Conclusion

The airline industry is definitely going greener especially with the efforts made by different airline companies. And, yes, sustainable flying is possible; however, there are other ways to ensure that your flight has less impact such as buying carbon offset and flying on economy. But this topic deserves a separate article. For now, avoid flight shame, without avoiding flights.