Developments and Initiatives for Sustainable Air Travel

Approaching Eco-Friendly Air Travel

Have you ever wondered if it's possible to travel sustainably by air?

Emissions from commercial flights are continuously increasing, considered real ecological bombs. It's estimated that by 2050, they could triple, representing about a quarter of the global carbon budget.

For this reason, studies and initiatives are growing, aiming to reduce emissions when choosing distant destinations, focusing on carbon-conscious routes.

Within this context, the commercial aviation sector has seen significant developments that continue to progress. Airlines are committing to sustainability, shifting to lower-emission fuels, investing in electric planes, and offering offset programs. Some airlines are genuinely showing a concrete interest in making air travel less harmful to the environment.

Airlines' Initiatives for the Environment

Which airlines are leading this commitment?

All airlines are striving to get closer to their passengers to make travel more sustainable. Let's see the strategies they're adopting.

EasyJet: Low-Cost and Low-Impact Flights

EasyJet is actively committed to more sustainable air travel. It has outlined a climate action plan, aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Since 2019, it's the first airline in Europe to offer free carbon emission compensation for passengers. However, it acknowledges that compensation is a temporary solution, aiming for more sustainable air transport. The airline also possesses a fleet of modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, such as the Airbus neo, which are 15% more fuel-efficient than older planes.

Virgin Atlantic: Towards Zero Emissions

Virgin Atlantic is among the leaders in sustainability. It's on track to achieve zero emissions by 2050, thanks to a decade-long partnership with LanzaTech. It was the first to operate a commercial flight with waste-based fuel and offers passengers the option to offset their flight emissions.

Air Canada: Emission Reduction and Zero Plastic

Air Canada has a climate action plan targeting zero emissions by 2050. Its newer fleets are 20% more efficient than its older aircraft. Since 2019, the airline removed single-use plastic from its planes and supports social aid policies.

Widerøe: Eco-Airline of the Year 2022

Widerøe, a Norwegian airline, was named Eco-Airline of the Year 2022 by Air Transport World. It aims to fly the first zero-emission aircraft by 2026 and completely replace its fleet with zero-emission planes between 2030 and 2035.

Sustainable Choices for the Individual Traveler

How can we, as individual travelers, contribute to making our trips more sustainable?

Choosing flights with lower emissions or offsetting the pollution generated during travels are viable options.

Programs like that of WINKYES Travel, in collaboration with Tree-nation nonprofit, enable travelers booking through WINKYES Travel to offset CO₂ emissions for FREE by funding pollution reduction projects.