Environmental efficiency
Aviation is leading the way with efforts to improve its environmental performance. It was one of the first industries to have ambitious global goals and a strategy for reducing its impact on climate change.
Climate action
Ten years ago, the aviation industry presented the world's first global transport sector climate action framework. It is based on a set of three global goals, underpinned by four pillars of climate action.
Reducing noise
The industry has been working for decades to reduce noise. Aircraft are now 50% quieter on average compared to ten years ago, and 75% quieter than the first generation of jet aircraft.
Improving air quality
Like many industries, the emissions from aircraft and other activities at airports can have an effect on the local air quality. Thanks to technical developments, new aircraft emit 50% less carbon monoxide and 90% less smoke than those made 50 years ago.
Greener manufacturing
Aircraft and engine manufacturers around the world are showing leadership to improve the sustainability of their factories, both in terms of production and waste management.
Circular economy
Airlines and airports are reducing, reusing, and recycling waste from their flight and ground operations to improve their environmental footprint. And when an aircraft retires after around 20-25 years in service, an estimated 85% to 95% of its weight can be recycled to ensure proper disposal and also take advantage of the many high-quality components it is made from.
Aviation's impact on the environment
Like every area of human activity, air transport has an impact on the environment. This takes several forms, but a major concern is greenhouse gas emissions and their impact on climate change.
Building resilience to climate change
The aviation industry is prioritising fuel efficiency through technology, operations and infrastructure to reduce its impact on climate change. However, a changing climate has also impacted flights and on-ground operations at airports in recent years and will continue to do so.