AVIATION'S SUSTAINABLE FUTURE As a sector, aviation faces obvious sustainability challenges. The long-term sustainability of travel requirements for sports organisations can be enursed through partnerships with firms focused on helping you meet your carbon neutrality goals.
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viation is essential to our global society as a driver of economic development that helps bring together people, businesses and communities. Whether it's tourism, supply chains, or the worldwide sports industry, it would not be easy to envisage a world without air transport. The sector creates and supports jobs and contributes to the lives of millions of people around the world. However, while aviation's undoubted economic and social advantages are clear, it is essential to understand that these benefits also come at an environmental cost. A blueprint for long term sustainability Big and small players in the aviation industry increasingly understand the importance of rethinking their business models. The sector is reevaluating everything from aircraft design and manufacturing processes, all the way to how aircraft operate, the fuel they use, how they are serviced, and how they are disposed of at the end of the lifecycle. Around 2 per cent of human-produced CO2 emissions come from aviation - and 18 | OTFF ISSUE 20 ★ SUMMER 2022
the industry is committed to addressing climate change in the short, medium and long term. Aviation has had ambitious and longterm climate change plans for several years - including Waypoint 2050 - a blueprint for aviation's sustainable future in line with the Paris Agreement on climate change. From airframe innovation to sustainable fuels, the report details how the sector may meet net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 with the support of governments and the energy industry. Sustainable fuels and next-generation technology In the longer-term, sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) will see aviation transition away from fossil fuels by 2050 as part of a broader industry shift, including lowcarbon electricity and green hydrogen. Airlines are already trialling regular commercial flights using alternative fuels. In April 2022, Turkish Airlines even launched its sustainability-themed Airbus 321 to highlight its first flight using environmentally-friendly biofuel with a zero-waste principle.
The sustainable fuel, which reduces emissions by 87 per cent, will be used for one day a week on the chosen route, and the airline is reportedly planning to use it more widely in the future. Whether you're travelling for work or leisure, chances are the airline and aircraft you're flying on will be greener than ever before. The aviation industry has entered an era of environmental responsibility and sustainability – and technology is the key to helping manufacturers achieve both. Airlines and operators have reportedly spent over $1 trillion purchasing thousands of latest-generation aircraft since the sector's first long-term climate commitment in 2009. Since the first jet engines were introduced, aircraft manufacturers have delivered efficiency improvements of around 90%. They will continue to develop evolutionary and revolutionary airframe and propulsion systems, including electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft. Whether it's the Airbus NEO (New Engine Option) family or Boeing's groundbreaking Dreamliner, manufacturers now share green
