As the world becomes increasingly aware of the impact of air travel on the environment, sustainable flying is becoming a more important consideration for travellers. In this blog, you will learn about advancements in airline technology and what travellers can do to make their holiday environmentally friendly.
Sustainability is a crucial concern for both the travel industry and the aviation industry, as they strive to balance the need for growth and economic development with the impact of air travel on the environment. The aviation industry has made great strides in reducing its carbon footprint in recent years, and has very interesting plans for the future.
Individual vs. industry responsibility
It is common knowledge that frequent flying has a large impact on an individual’s "carbon footprint", but the aviation industry actually only accounts for around 2% of global carbon emissions. And while it is important to take steps to reduce our direct impact on the environment, the individual customer is not solely responsible for sustainability issues in the aviation industry. Despite this, as more and more people are flying and travelling, it becomes increasingly important to make sure that the aviation industry invests in becoming future-proof.
Many airlines are active with developing biofuel technology to reduce the emissions of flying, which is essential for the future of travel. But what does that actually mean? Here is a brief breakdown in what technology is up and coming in the aviation industry.
Sustainable aircraft fuels
The development of Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is a budding and very hot topic for airlines. SAF is a liquid fuel made from sustainable resources, and the biggest benefit is that it can be mixed with traditional jet fuel to help reduce emissions without the need for any infrastructure changes.
Electric and hybrid-electric aircraft
One of the technologies that is potentially the most promising in the aviation industry is electric and hybrid-electric aircraft. These aircraft have the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions, making them attractive for both airlines and passengers alike. Another benefit for passengers and wildlife is the significant reduction in noise pollution. However, electric aircraft are still in the early stages of development, and it may be several years before they become available for commercial flights.
Hydrogen fuel cells
The introduction of hydrogen fuel cell technology is another promising game-changer in the aviation industry. Hydrogen fuel cells produce clean energy, are much more efficient than traditional fuels and are zero-emission, as the only by-product that they produce is water. There is a growing interest in this technology among airlines, however, there are significant technical, financial and infrastructure challenges that need to be overcome before the use of hydrogen fuel cells can become a reality.
The industry has made great efforts to reduce its carbon footprint through various initiatives, such as investing in fuel-efficient aircraft, using sustainable biofuels, and implementing operational changes that reduce fuel consumption. For example, many airlines have implemented measures such as reducing the weight of their aircraft, optimizing flight routes, and using ground power instead of onboard auxiliary power units during ground operations. These efforts have resulted in significant reductions in carbon emissions.
Check which sustainability practices are being acted upon
One of the most important things that travellers can do to promote sustainable flying is to choose airlines that prioritize sustainability. Many airlines now have sustainability initiatives, such as investing in fuel-efficient aircraft, and using sustainable biofuels. TravelEssence has a partnership with Cathay Pacific, who does have such sustainable practices and has the most fuel-efficient aircraft on the market - the A350. Selecting an airline that is taking these important steps helps to support their sustainability efforts and shows the industry that change is important to consumers.
In addition to using environmentally friendly businesses, carbon offsetting is also a great way to further reduce the impact of your travels Down Under. In addition to choosing an airline that is making a genuine effort to reduce their carbon footprint, offsetting your travel helps to limit the negative impact of long haul flights.
Not every carbon offsetting program is created equal. Due to the abundance of greenwashing, it is very important to be aware of the actual impact the program has on the environment. The term "greenwashing" refers to when a company portrays itself as more eco-friendly or sustainable than it actually is. At TravelEssence, we offset the carbon emissions of each holiday twice over with our carbon offset programs. Read more about how we make your travel carbon-neutral here.
In addition to choosing an airline that values sustainability and offsetting your holiday, there are a variety of steps you can take to limit the environmental impact of your travel. These other options to make the carbon impact of your flight more worthwhile include:
Going for longer periods of time
What is often called "slow travel" is a great way to reduce the impact of your overall impact. Travelling less often but for longer periods of times means less flying as well as the opportunity to really immerse yourself in the local culture and environment. This can even include taking advantage of your flight stopover and extending it to be a part of your holiday.
Choosing local small-scale accommodation
Opting to support small businesses while you travel boosts the local economy, which in turn helps take care of the environment. Even better if the accommodation is natural and environmentally friendly! Furthermore, when you stay at small-scale stays, your hosts can give great insight into the area and provide tips that can't be found in any travel book.
The future of flying lies within the development of more efficient aircrafts and is likely to be shaped by sustainable aviation fuel technology. Flying, and travelling in general, is an easy scapegoat when it comes to the topic of sustainability and environmental practices. But this doesn't have to be the case! Taking the proper steps when choosing how to travel greatly reduces any negative impact, and can even help to support local programs that are preserving nature for future generations.
Questions? Speak to one of our specialists by phone Mon - Sat 0900 until 2100. You can discuss your travel plans in detail where and when it suits you, also in the evenings and on weekends on a no obligation basis.
020 36 95 95 69
