Safe travel: By 2050, air travel will achieve net-zero emissions. What does this mean for our environment and future journeys?

In recent decades, discussions have primarily focused on the climate crisis looming over the planet, unleashing unprecedented waves of heat and drought across the world. Researchers globally warn that without a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, the situation will deteriorate sharply in the future, as reported by BBC.

One measure aimed at reducing hazardous emissions envisions a future where air travel becomes completely carbon-neutral, made possible by new technologies and eco-friendly practices that offset environmental impacts. This plan, named Jet Zero, was developed in 2022 and represents a step toward the UK government's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by mid-century, specifically by 2050. Notably, the plan stipulates that all domestic flights and the operations of UK airports must achieve net-zero emissions by 2040.

Unfortunately, this task is quite challenging. For comparison, a single passenger flying economy class from London to New York generates 309 kg of carbon dioxide, which would take approximately ten adult trees a year to absorb. On a global scale, the aviation industry would need to plant around 100 billion adult trees annually to counterbalance its emissions. How realistic is this plan, and what will the costs be?

Previously, officials stated that the modernization of the industry would likely not significantly impact passengers—according to the government, any increase in airfares would be "minimal." However, some scientists, like Dieter Helm, a professor of economic policy at the University of Oxford, believe that the costs "will definitely be higher." Nevertheless, experts acknowledge that expenses will vary depending on the methods employed to reduce or mitigate emissions.

New Developments

The government has previously announced its intention to achieve emission reductions by focusing on "rapid technological advancements" and operational improvements, including the development of more sustainable fuel types.

The idea is not new: since 1969, when the first high-bypass turbofan engines were used on the new Boeing 747, aircraft around the world have steadily become cleaner. Since then, numerous other innovations have emerged, including winglets and upward-curving wing tips that reduce drag and save fuel.

Engineers are also working on other upgrades, including a new type of jet engine that could reduce fuel consumption by 10%. The main challenge is that this engine is unlikely to be available on commercial aircraft until the 2030s due to production timelines.

CO2 emissions in aviation predominantly result from jet engines that use carbon-rich fossil fuels, which emit carbon dioxide upon combustion. To address this issue, scientists have repeatedly attempted to create an alternative type made from renewable biomass and waste, known as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Notably, the first flight using SAF took place in 2008, utilizing fuel derived from a mix of Brazilian babassu nuts and coconuts.

Now, the UK government states that by 2040, 22% of all jet fuel for UK aviation should come from sustainable sources. However, researchers believe that challenges will also arise at this stage. Alternative methods for producing SAF require substantial amounts of electricity during the manufacturing process. This will necessitate a vast amount of renewable energy to ensure sustainability.

Redrawing the Skies

Another approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions involves altering flight paths: essentially, it is proposed that routes become more direct, which would help decrease fuel consumption.

Currently, most aircraft fly along routes determined by a network of beacons, many of which were installed decades ago. As a result, they do not always take the shortest route. Scientists believe that to cut emissions, the world needs a "modernization of airspace." It is proposed that satellite technology will be used for this purpose.

The Jet Zero strategy estimates that this, along with other improvements in fuel efficiency, could reduce emissions by as much as 15% by 2050.

Electric Aircraft

Inventor Stephen Fitzpatrick has spent seven years working on an innovative aircraft that could serve as a foundation for another solution. His creation resembles a giant drone but does not utilize fuel; instead, the aircraft is powered by lithium-ion batteries similar to those used in electric vehicles.

The challenge is that the batteries alone weigh 800 kg, creating a new problem: the heavy weight limits the range of the aircraft. However, experts believe that the prospect of replacing jet engines on long-haul flights is simply unlikely.

Using hydrogen in other ways may be a better option. The British-American aerospace company ZeroAvia claims it expects to have an 80-seat aircraft powered solely by hydrogen in the air within two to three years. Airbus is developing something similar.

Costs for Passengers

Previous government estimates indicated that SAF, improved fuel efficiency, and zero-emission aircraft would only reduce aviation emissions by about one-third. The second part of the government's strategy revolves around pricing: in simple terms, airlines will pay a fee for carbon dioxide emissions.

Airlines already pay a fee for each flight in the UK, the cost of which is passed on to passengers. Scientists now believe that the Jet Zero strategy will inevitably impact the price of air tickets.