By forging meaningful partnerships that address root causes, airlines will give themselves the opportunity of becoming environmental leaders within their industry. Reducing plastic usage and adopting environmentally friendly materials is not enough to tackle environmental sustainability issues and more must be done.
Travellers are concerned about the environment
Travellers are increasingly likely to be influenced by how environmentally friendly a product/service is. GlobalData’s Q1 2021 Consumer Survey has shown that 76% of global respondents are ‘always’, ‘often’, or ‘sometimes’ influenced by how ethical / environmentally friendly / socially responsible a product/service is.
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To combat the rise of the flight shaming movement, airlines must take all possible actions to ensure passengers do not choose alternative transportation methods, especially on short-haul routes. With electric rail travel becoming more popular – with extensive networks across Europe and Asia – airlines risk passengers jumping to more environmentally friendly options. If progress to make the airline industry greener is slow, then the impacts could be wide-reaching.
Carbon offsetting schemes are not enough
Many airlines have launched carbon offsetting schemes, reduced plastic usage, and worked to become more environmentally friendly, but these small wins are not enough to tackle the broader problem. Investment in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and alternatively powered aircraft are the next steps to be taken. However, airlines lack the knowledge and skills to do this on their own, and meaningful partnerships will be key to making these concepts a reality.
Partnerships are key
To acquire the knowledge and skills to tackle the bigger issues, airlines could seek to acquire a stake in a company already working in the area of sustainability or form strategic partnerships. easyJet partnered with Wright Electric in 2017 to develop an electric aircraft capable of flying short distance flights. Wright Electric has the expertise to make it happen, and easyJet has a reason to invest and to provide the backing of an airline willing to acquire the final product. With the airline’s investment, the project has been accelerated and may become a reality before 2030.
In the same way that Delta Air Lines acquired an oil refinery in 2012 to gain security over its fuel supply, airlines should seek to do the same with biofuel companies. IAG recently committed to 10% sustainable aviation fuel usage by 2030. With the scale of an airline group such as IAG, the investment in a dedicated facility would be wise. It would give the group security over supply and may allow them to exceed their commitment. Investments like this could be the way forward. This would create a win-win situation for any airline looking to address travellers’ concerns about air travel sustainability and future-proof their operations.
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By GlobalDataThe pandemic has allowed airlines and industry stakeholders to take a step back and focus on initiatives to accelerate the progress currently being made to make aviation greener. With travellers more likely to switch to alternative, greener transport options on short-haul routes, airlines must seek collaborative partnerships to make further progress in this space and protect their future.
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