EMISSIONS
The European Aviation Environmental Report 2025 indicates that CO2 emissions from aviation, which totalled 133mn tonnes in 2023, are down 10% from 2019 levels but are expected to increase to 144mn tonnes by 2030 under a baseline traffic scenario.
- In 2023, single and twin-aisle jets made up 77% of flights, contributing to 96% of the sector’s CO2 emissions. Long-haul flights (>4,000 km), which comprised 6% of flights, accounted for 46% of the CO2 output.
- The report suggests that achieving the ReFuelEU Aviation mandate for sustainable aviation fuels could reduce net CO2 emissions by at least 65mn tonnes, or around 47%, by 2050.
- The CO2 emissions per passenger kilometre further dropped to 83 grams in 2023, equivalent to 3.3 litres of fuel per 100 passenger kilometres.
- Numerous airport initiatives are underway to invest in on-site renewable energy production and electrify ground support equipment, helping reduce emissions.
- A total of 118 airports across Europe have set a net-zero CO2 emissions target for 2030 or sooner, with 16 airports already achieving this goal.
- Additionally, to comply with ReFuelEU Aviation, airport infrastructure will need to be adapted to support sustainable aviation fuels and zero-emission aircraft, such as electric and hydrogen-powered planes.
- A sub-mandate for synthetic e-fuels, or SAF, starting at 0.7% in 2030 and rising to 35% in 2050, highlights their substantial potential for reducing emissions.
The report recommends that the aviation sector should aim for net zero by 2050 and reduce emissions by 5% in 2030 amid increased uptake of SAF and other initiatives.
243 words