Aviation emissions can be halved – with measures that already exist
Global emissions from air traffic can be reduced by up to 50–75 per cent by using aircraft more intelligently, according to a new study led by Professor Stefan Gössling at Linnaeus University, Sweden, in collaboration with researchers at University of Oxford. It is not a question of new fuels or fewer flights, but of taking advantage of existing efficiency measures.
The researchers analysed over 27 million flights from 2023 and found large differences in how much carbon dioxide different flights produce. Some routes emit up to 30 times more per passenger than the most efficient ones.
The study identifies three measures with a significant impact: flying with the most fuel-efficient aircraft, prioritising economy class over premium classes, and filling planes more efficiently. Simply by using the most efficient aircraft already in the airlines' fleets, emissions could be reduced by around 11 per cent immediately.
"We can significantly reduce aviation emissions today, without waiting for future technology", says Stefan Gössling, professor of tourism science at Linnaeus University, Sweden.
The researchers also show that business and first-class seats take up considerably more space and thus result in higher emissions per passenger. More seats in economy class and higher occupancy rates can therefore make a big difference.
The study suggests that policy instruments, such as emissions ratings and differentiated charges, can help accelerate the transition to more climate-smart aviation.
"More efficient aircraft are not only good for the climate, but can also be economically beneficial for airlines. Despite this, airlines still use many older and less efficient aircraft" notes Stefan Gössling.
More information
See also a longer press release from University of Oxford.
Contact
Stefan Gössling, Professor of Tourism Studies at Linnaeus University, Sweden, stefan.gossling@lnu.se