Rethinking aviation’s environmental footprint
The aviation industry finds itself in a special position, both facing the challenge of reducing its environmental impact and also meeting rising demand for connectivity around the world.
In fact, aviation was responsible for over 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2022, while in 2018 it was accounted for 12% of transport-related emissions.
Although being essential for connecting communities, regional air travel contributes to this footprint, with short-haul flights representing 25% of total aviation emissions.
This is why achieving sustainability is no longer optional, it is an industry imperative. And regional aviation, in particular, has a unique opportunity to lead this transformation.
Innovation for efficiency and resilience
Sustainable aviation aims to reduce the environmental footprint of flights, while also ensuring compliance with the increasingly stringent global emissions regulations.
Innovation is key to reducing emissions without compromising performance, safety, or connectivity. Central to this evolution are advances in aircraft design and propulsion systems: in order to reduce fuel consumption, modern airframes are more often built with lightweight composite materials and enhanced aerodynamic profiles, but at the same time, next-generation engines also offer higher efficiency, contributing to lower emissions and improved operational performance.
The changes involve operational strategies, too, which play a vital role. For example, airlines and manufacturers are optimising route planning, flight procedures, and air traffic management to minimise fuel burn. Collectively, these practices are laying the groundwork for a more resilient and sustainable air transport system, capable of meeting climate targets while responding to growing demand for regional connectivity.
SAF and hybrid technologies: a pragmatic path forward
A new kind of fuel stands as one of the most promising solutions to reduce aviation’s climate impact: it’s called Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and it’s a derivative from renewable feedstocks such as organic waste and non-fossil materials. The main feature is that, when blended with jet A1 (up to 50%) it can be used in existing aircraft engines without the need for modifications, and it also delivers up to 80% lower lifecycle CO2 emissions (compared to traditional carbon-based fuel).
It is no surprise that the most advanced companies are investing and actively driving SAF adoption. For example, in 2022, the aircraft manufacturer ATR completed the world’s first 100% SAF-powered flight in a commercial aircraft and expects 100% SAF compatibility within the second half of the decade, as per International fuel standard validation.
This involves not only SAF but hybrid propulsion, too: in particular, through the ATR EVO concept, they offer an ultra-efficient thermal engine combined with a battery-powered electrical motor.
This solution’s intention is to achieve 20% lower fuel burn and CO2 emissions, along with a 20% reduction in maintenance costs, compared to an already in-service ATR with PW127M.
A commitment grounded in science
While greenwashing is becoming a more common practice, sustainability at companies like ATR is instead a science-based commitment. In fact, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is the guide for the company’s climate roadmap: this ensures consistency and compliance with the Paris Agreement goals, as well as the endorsement of the “Fly Net Zero by 2050” pledge. As a member of the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), ATR is certainly taking up the challenge of shaping the future of responsible air travel.