Sustainability in the Airline Industry
As Harry and Megan forgo their private jet, we look at how we can ensure sustainability
With the recent global focus on climate change, it’s more important than ever to think about sustainability in the aviation industry.
At Cabin Crew Wings we aim to limit our negative impact on the environment as much as we can. A social media post this week revealed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle recently travelled on a commercial flight instead of using their private jet. So what can we do to reduce our carbon footprint and ensure sustainability?
How does Cabin Crew Wings promote sustainability?
We all want to do our bit to protect our planet and support sustainability.
Our range of eBooks are all digitalised meaning we don’t waste resources by using paper versions. Packed with details and tips about assessment days, interviews and ability tests, our eBooks are environmentally-friendly and an amazing resource to help you to become Cabin Crew – currently on sale at 50% off for Black Friday!
We also aim to make our Cabin Crew courses as environmentally friendly as possible. Our 2-Day Courses take place at venues with easy public transport links to make your lives easier, but also to cut emissions from private cars or taxis. Our online course removes the requirement for travel altogether, allowing you to participate without stepping outside your front door!
We know that traditionally the aviation industry isn’t renowned for sustainability. But our goal is to get you flying – and airlines are stepping up to take responsibility for the sustainability of our planet and its future.
What are airlines doing to ensure sustainability?
We all know that flying is not great for the environment. But airlines are taking big steps forward to become more environmentally friendly and improve their sustainability.
Recycling and Waste On-Board
Cabin waste has been a huge problem for airlines, amounting to over 6 million tonnes per year. Airlines are taking action.
Etihad Airways was the first major airline to fly long-haul with no single-use plastic on board. Meanwhile Portuguese airline Hi Fly were the first in the world to operate a totally plastic-free flight. Not a plastic straw in sight, and they used cutlery made from cornstarch! Ryanair has pledged to be plastic-free by 2023 by switching to biodegradable cutlery and cups.
Emissions
With the focus on sustainability and climate change this year, net zero is the ultimate goal for the aviation industry. The UK has introduced the Jet Zero policy specifically targeted at the airline industry.
Airlines are introducing smarter flight operations and air traffic control systems in order to make flights more efficient. Shortening flight durations by even just one minute will save approximately 100kg of CO2 per flight and therefore significantly reduce carbon emissions.
easyJet have pledged to be the world’s first carrier operating net zero flights while British Airways have promised to reach this target by 2050. KLM’s CO2ZERO and Finnair’s Push for Change are examples of airlines introducing specific carbon offset campaigns.
Other ways to reduce emissions are to make aircraft lighter by modernising the on-board equipment such as installing lighter seats and using less heavyweight catering trolleys.
Greener technology
New technologies also have sustainability as their ultimate aim. More sustainable aviation fuels such as Gevo, a blended biofuel, will reduce the environmental impact of flying. The addition of wingtip devices to planes will also reduce fuel consumption by 4%.
Greener manufacturing processes are also being put in place. Aerospace manufacturing companies are committing to eco-friendly processes in their bid for sustainability. They aim for no water waste, an 80% reduction of greenhouse gases and a policy whereby all waste is recycled.
Aircraft themselves will also be more environmentally sustainable. Each new generation of aircraft is around 20% more fuel efficient, and billions are being invested into research to improve efficiency even further. The idea of eventually flying in hybrid or electric planes for short-haul flights isn’t beyond the realms of possibility.
Why is Sustainability Important?
Air travel is vital for the sustainability of our society globally. It is essential to development economically, socially and culturally and influences the ways we interact both for business and leisure.
