Sixty years ago, civil aviation (private and public air travel) was an industry that was responsible for a minute proportion of all forms of transport. In recent decades, there has been rapid growth in aviation as a form of mobility, and subsequently there has been significant growth in energy use. Today it is an integral part of the world economy, accounting for approximately 9% of global GDP and carrying over 2 billion passengers each year.
Most aviation fuels are jet fuels originating from crude oil. Crude oil is a non-renewable energy resource and reports indicate that the world’s crude oil production is close to the maximum level and that it will start to decrease after reaching this maximum. Aviation fuel production is predicted to decrease by several percent each year after the crude oil production peak is reached - resulting in a substantial shortage of jet fuel by 2026. At the same time, it is predicted by the aviation industry that aviation traffic will keep on increasing. This is of particular importance for the airline industry as the price of fuel represents as much as 40% of an airline's expenses. Between 2001 and 2005, airlines lost over $35 billion (US dollars) and high fuel prices will continue to challenge airline profitability.
Aviation fuel consumption also brings about environmental concerns as it contributes to the increase in atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Although the aviation industry claims that it generates only 2% of global CO2 emissions, it is one of the fastest-growing carbon polluters around. The Federal Aviation Administration predicts that passenger levels will double in 10 years and perhaps triple by 2025 and that CO2 emissions will increase by more than 110 % between 2005 and 2025.
With regard to aircraft emissions, strong public pressure to reduce the environmental impact has resulted in improvements in both technologies and the way airline systems operate. A sustainable approach is necessary to ensure continuing growth in the aviation industry where cost reduction is critical and environmental performance is improved.
Improving the fuel efficiency of aircrafts is an important aspect of technological development, since it directly improves airlines’ direct operating costs. Technological improvements involve aerodynamic changes, weight reductions, more fuel efficient engines, and increased operational efficiency. For example, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is attempting to incorporate energy efficiency into its design. The airplane is expected to use 20% less fuel than its contemporary counterpart. The key technologies include lightweight structures, highly efficient engines, and aerodynamic improvements to the body and wings. As much as 50% of the primary structure on the B787 will be made of composite materials. The advanced engines for the new airplane are expected to contribute as much as 8% of its increased efficiency. According to the Boeing Company, it will be possible to eliminate 1500 aluminum sheets and 40,000–50,000 fasteners by manufacturing a one-piece fuselage section, and to attain greatly improved aerodynamic and structural efficiency.
Another way for airlines and passengers to reduce their environmental impact is to become carbon neutral. Becoming carbon neutral involves the purchase of carbon offsets to neutralize the pollutants added to the environment. Carbon offsetting occurs when an individual or organization emits a given amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) but invests in measures that will pull the equivalent volume of GHG out of the atmosphere or prevent other emissions from taking place at all. Carbon offsets include programs such as wind power, solar power, and other such projects that focus on energy efficiency and renewable resources. Carbon offsetting is becoming prominent in the airline industry. For example, Virgin America offers the opportunity to buy carbon offsets based on the length of your flight. Also, Ethiopian Airlines has planted 7.5 million trees in Ethiopia, one for each passenger flown since 2005 at no extra charge to their customers.
As consumers become more aware of the environmental effects of aviation on global air quality and demand airlines to reduce their engine emissions to climate change, the industry will need to make adjustments in order to stay competitive. Innovations in aircraft technology and carbon offsets are two important steps toward sustainable air transport that have the potential to generate industry profit growth while protecting the environment.
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