Rising Travel Rates Undermine Plans for “Sustainable Aviation”

A study conducted by the Transport & Environment group, which is active in combating pollution, predicts that the number of air passengers could more than double by 2050, driving increased fuel demand and undermining the aviation industry’s efforts to reduce emissions.

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Aviation industry leaders are meeting this week in Dublin for an annual financial conference, which is expected to feature numerous business deals.

In response, the Brussels-based group has called on the European Union to implement measures to limit growth in the sector.

Joe Darden, the group’s aviation director, told Reuters: “It’s time to come back down to earth and put an end to this growing addiction to expansion.”

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The study suggests that measures to curb the rapid growth of air travel could include limiting airport infrastructure expansion, reducing business travel, and increasing taxes on the sector.

The aviation industry, responsible for about 2.5% of global carbon emissions, has pledged to use more sustainable aviation fuel to cut emissions and achieve net-zero carbon by 2050.

However, the limited supply of biofuel and its cost, roughly five times higher than traditional jet fuel, mean it is not widely used.

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The study estimates that the aviation industry’s use of traditional fuel could increase by about 59% by 2050 compared to 2019 levels due to rising passenger numbers.

Aircraft manufacturers Airbus and Boeing anticipate growing demand for air travel in the coming years, with more planes taking to the skies.

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This will lead to higher emissions, even with more efficient aircraft entering the market and the use of sustainable fuel made from non-petroleum-based raw materials. Joe Darden noted: “The more air travel increases, the further they drift from the emissions reduction goal. At this rate, they will still burn two billion barrels of oil annually in 2050, despite using sustainable fuel.”

The aviation industry has repeatedly rejected calls to curb its activities, arguing that the sector is vital for economic development and global connectivity.

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