Sustainability in Aviation and the Greenest Airlines of the Future

Reading Time: 4 Minute

by Berkan YILDIRIM – Berkin ACAR

Throughout our lives, the tendency for production and diversity to continue is constant. With the increase in population, migration from rural to urban areas, the decrease of forested areas, and the growing demand for raw materials, it is essential to use the world’s resources correctly and efficiently. The main focus of sustainability is not only to consider today but also to have the ability to meet our needs without compromising the resources that will meet the needs of future generations. How can we use these resources in line with our needs and in a frugal manner? Our ability to answer this question, both individually and institutionally, needs to develop. Thus, when the components of economic and social development and environmental management work together in harmony, sustainable development will be achieved naturally.

Sustainable Trends in the Aviation Industry

Sustainable aviation is one of the steps taken to create both an advertising campaign, social awareness and environmental awareness for the industry. It is a long-term strategy adapted to meet the challenge of delivering a cleaner, quieter and smarter future. Considering its harmful impact on the environment, the most important initiative is; Implementation of biofuel technology used to reduce fuel consumption or the damage caused by this fuel to the environment, or the removal or minimization of disposable waste used in aircraft are experiential practices for sustainable aviation. Let’s take a look at the airline companies and practices that are known as the most environmentally friendly airlines of the future due to the practices and research they have already carried out.

United Airlines

United Airlines announced the Eco-Skies Alliance to finance sustainable jet fuel produced from waste. United Airlines is undertaking this initiative in collaboration with 11 partners, including Nike and Siemens, rather than going it alone. It is known that in 2021, the total amount of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) produced from waste was 13 million liters. The biggest advantage of biofuel is that it emits 80% less carbon compared to traditional jet fuel.

Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines is transitioning the water bottles offered to business class passengers from plastic bottles to aluminum bottles. The Honolulu-based company has partnered with Mananalu, Jason Momoa’s water company, to reduce plastic waste and improve the quality of their water bottles by replacing plastic with more recyclable aluminum bottles. This partnership aims to eliminate 284,000 plastic bottles each year. Metal is known to be the easiest material to recycle. The company uses BPA-free aluminum in these bottles, and 75% of all aluminum produced can still be used today.

EasyJet

EasyJet demonstrates an unconventional recycling activity. It has produced all of its employees’ uniforms from yarn made from recycled PET bottles. The uniforms are both more durable and more flexible against wear and tear. These flexible uniforms provide employees with a more comfortable and enjoyable working environment.

Each uniform is made from 45 PET bottles. This results in the recycling of half a million PET bottles annually. These uniforms create 75% less CO2 emissions compared to polyester. Additionally, the company offers a 50% discount on drinks if passengers bring their own reusable cups.

Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand has created Project Green to establish sustainable packaging innovation and recycling infrastructure. This project ensures that reusable items that remain completely sealed and unused from one flight service can be used on the next flight. Project Green encompasses over 40 in-flight products, including soft drinks, cookie packages, tea bags, and coffee. For example, if we do not open the packaging of the fork that comes with the in-flight meal service, the next passenger will be able to use that fork.

Air France KLM

One of the airlines that comes to mind when talking about sustainability and recycling is Air France KLM. As seen in research conducted by IATA in previous years, a significant amount of materials, ranging from textiles to food, emerges as waste from both in-flight operations and cabin passenger waste. The airline aims to prevent waste and contribute to recycling primarily by training its staff. The principles of redesign, reduction, reuse, and recycling highlight the motto followed by the airline.

The company aims to implement staff training and passenger awareness, produce eco-friendly fuel from waste, and generate organic energy through recycling. In 2011, KLM conducted the world’s first commercial flight partially powered by fuel made from used cooking oil. Regardless of whether it is Air France KLM or any other airline, every airline must be aware of its environmental sensitivity and its responsibilities towards recycling and sustainability, and must fulfill these responsibilities. Otherwise, every unmanaged waste will harm both present and future generations.