Technology is driving more sustainable aviation

We all play an important role in the monumental task of reducing the industry’s emissions. As manufacturers, we take pride in the fact that all our aircraft families, which include the A220, A320neo, A330neo and the A350, produce up to 25 percent less CO₂ as compared to the previous generation of aircraft. We are also enormously proud that as an industry we have contributed to the reduction of this figure by 80 percent since the dawn of the jet age. 

Despite the decrease in traffic resulting from the pandemic, many airlines across the region have continued to pursue fleet renewal projects with the end goal of more efficient, quieter and less polluting aircraft that will ultimately lead to a cleaner global industry. As an example, Airbus has delivered more than 1,700 A320neo since its entry into service five years ago, contributing to 10 million tons of CO₂ savings. Seeing airlines' continuous interest in renewing their fleet makes us optimistic that the sector will not only recover sooner but become more sustainable.

As airlines continue to improve their carbon footprint and the aviation industry maintains their impressive track record of reducing noise and emissions, Airbus doubled down on ways to continue pioneering sustainable aerospace. Last year, Airbus unveiled three concept aircraft that will explore different configurations and hydrogen technologies which will shape the development of our future zero-emission aircraft (ZEROe). Our ambition is to bring the first ZEROe aircraft to the market by the middle of the next decade.

While our innovation teams continue to work on the development of this ZEROe aircraft, Airbus has taken the next step in reducing its industrial carbon footprint with the maiden flight of our Beluga super-transporter using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from our Broughton plant in the UK. Broughton becomes the second Airbus European site to use SAF, after Hamburg introduced this fuel to its cargo activities at the end of 2019. Sustainable aviation fuels are currently certified by regulators for up to 50 percent use in commercial flights, our ultimate goal is to reach a rate of 100 percent SAF.

We are convinced that carbon-neutral aviation is not only possible, but achievable within our lifetime. However, this is a joint effort between regulators and the entire industry, including airlines, airports and new energy producers. At Airbus we are determined to pave the way for sustainable aerospace for the future.