How can airlines reduce their emissions in practice?
Airlines can reduce their emissions in several ways, notably by investing in more efficient aircraft and engines and by optimising operations. Although the biggest improvements typically arise from accelerated fleet renewal, many aircraft in the current fleets also hold potential for improvements. For instance, some aircraft can be retrofitted with technical devices at the tip of the wings (“winglets”), new surface treatments that reduce drag (air resistance) and even new engines. Airlines can also optimise their timetables, route network and flight frequencies to minimise the number of empty seats flown. ICAO has published a catalogue of “Operational Opportunities to Minimize Fuel Use and Reduce Emissions,” which describes some of these opportunities. In the longer term, research into more efficient technologies and alternative fuels may provide additional opportunities.
