PATHWAYS TO NET ZERO
Achieving aviation’s commitment to net zero by 2050 will require various decarbonization paths. Below are details on aviation’s main paths to net zero along with key industry insights and updates on the work Boeing is doing to achieve a sustainable future.
Latest Insights & Resources
Sustainable Aviation Fuel
With the potential to lower carbon emissions by up to 80% over the fuel’s lifecycle, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) offers the largest potential to reduce those emissions over the next 30 years.
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Fleet Renewal
New airplanes provide significant efficiency gains. Deploying the latest generation of airplanes is one of the most significant contributions to CO2 emissions reduction available over the next decade.
Across all our new commercial models we are striving for improvements in fuel efficiencies and our noise footprint.
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Advanced Technology
To meet the industry’s net-zero commitment by 2050, it will take a “SAF and” approach. Boeing has extensive experience on the “and” through research, studies, testing and partnerships. The future of flight will incorporate the latest digital design, testing and production tools, airframe, propulsion and systems technology; and different power and energy solutions will apply to different market segments and aircraft sizes.
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Operational Efficiency
Small, collaborative changes to improve efficiency can reduce emissions by about 10%.
From optimized flight planning, the use of real-time weather and traffic information, and leveraging the power of data analytics, we support our customers through nearly every phase of flight.
Boeing has multiple digital solutions available today and even more that are in development that can help customers improve their fuel and flight efficiency.
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Market-based Measures
While the above strategies will reduce the growth rate of aviation’s carbon emissions, market-based measures – or carbon offsets – will be needed to bridge the gap while technology advances.
What is CORSIA?
- Nearly every nation in the world adopted a program in 2016 to offset CO2 emissions from aviation. This historic agreement by the U.N. International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) represents the world’s first sector- based, global market mechanism to address climate change.
- The Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) was expected to offset 76% of emissions growth from international flights from 2020 onward, based on pre-COVID-19 flying trends. That would go up to 90% from 2027 onward.
- CORSIA does not replace efforts to advance airplane efficiency, improve fleet operational efficiency, and scale up sustainable fuel supplies. It is helping to reduce emissions as the other work advances—enabling aviation to achieve its climate goals.
What is a carbon offset?
- Offsets finance projects that reduce emissions, many in developing countries, that would not have otherwise occurred without investment.
- Strict environmental criteria ensure that the projects provide permanent and additional emission reductions that are quantifiable, monitored and reported.