The journey to Net-Zero Aviation: A Sustainable Future

The global aviation industry has set its target on achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, a goal that requires concerted efforts from governments and industry stakeholders alike. A four-pronged approach has been outlined to make this ambitious target a reality.

The major source of greenhouse gas emissions behind road traffic is growing rapidly

According to VnEconomy, despite accounting for only 2.5% of global emissions, the aviation industry is responsible for a disproportionate 7.2% of global warming due to the altitude at which emissions are released

If aviation were a country, it would be the world's seventh-largest emitter of carbon dioxide. Within the transportation sector, aviation is the second-largest emitter, trailing only road transport at 13.9%.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) projects that international aviation emissions could triple by 2050 compared to 2015 levels. Moreover, EU data suggests that aviation could account for 22% of global emissions by mid-century.

The airline industry's Net Zero target

The net-zero goal in aviation involves balancing carbon emissions from flights with an equivalent amount of carbon removed or offset. This is not only essential for mitigating climate change but also for addressing the inequities exacerbated by climate impacts.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, aligning with the Paris Agreement. To achieve this, the industry must implement a comprehensive strategy that includes expanding the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), improving operational efficiency, and adopting advanced technologies such as hydrogen-powered aircraft.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) – Green solutions for the future

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a fuel produced from renewable and sustainably sourced raw materials, such as used cooking oil and waste animal fats.

The advantage of SAF is that it can be stored, transported, and used in existing aircraft engines, offering improved performance and cold-weather operability. However, scaling up SAF production while ensuring sustainability is a significant challenge.

Five-year plan to reach net zero emissions by 2050

In September 2024, the Aviation Impact Accelerator (AIA), an initiative from the University of Cambridge, unveiled a five-year plan with four key objectives aimed at accelerating the aviation industry's decarbonization efforts toward net-zero emissions by 2050.

Objective 1 – Minimize contrails

Contrails form when aircraft engine emissions mix with atmospheric moisture, creating artificial clouds that trap heat. Studies indicate that the climate impact of contrails could be comparable to the total CO2 emissions from the aviation industry.

Objective 2 – Apply policies that optimize energy efficiency

Measures include improving air traffic flow, employing advanced technologies to reduce aerodynamic drag, and optimizing maintenance procedures to enhance energy efficiency.

Objective 3 – Finalizing the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) policy

Research suggests that SAF can reduce up to 80% of lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions and significantly lower harmful emissions such as NOx, SO₂, and particulate matter.

Objective 4 - Testing breakthrough aviation technology

Assessing the applicability and scalability of transformational technologies in the aviation industry, thereby accelerating the deployment of these technologies (e.g., hydrogen-fueled aircraft for long-haul flights, etc.).