Fleet renewal remains key as the aviation industry takes off for a net zero future

Fleet renewal remains key as the aviation industry takes off for a net zero future

Seventy percent of the UAE’s jet fuel needs could be sourced from power-to-liquid by 2050, according to a Boeing representative, based on the trajectory of renewable electricity and the capability to create the synthetically produced liquid hydrocarbon.

As the world races against the clock to achieve net zero targets by 2050, the aviation industry is also implementing strategies that will reduce their carbon footprint.

Speaking at the ‘Net-Zero Future of the Aviation Industry’ panel at the Arabian Travel Market, Brian Moran, Vice President, Global Sustainability Policy & Partnerships at Boeing, spoke about adopting a four-pronged strategy to reduce carbon emissions, “which starts and ends with fleet renewal.”

“New planes provide significant efficiency gains, with each generation reducing fuel use and emissions anywhere between 15% and 25%,” Moran continued, citing the Emirates order book, which include the much-delayed but energy-efficient 777-9 aircraft, along with Etihad Airways’ new Dreamliner, which was unveiled yesterday at the ATM and has been designed with lighter seats in the economy class cabin to provide more fuel efficiency for the aircraft.

Yvonne Moynihan, Chief Corporate & ESG Officer at Wizz Air, also spoke about how the ultra-low-cost carrier has achieved the ‘lowest carbon emissions per passenger kilometre in Europe’ through a