Decarbonizing the Travel Industry, One Flight at a Time

• Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is set to become a major factor in passenger decision-making by 2040.
• Regulatory pressure is increasing, leading to potential evolutions in environmental impact scoring and shifts in traditional travel patterns.

In the face of the looming threat of climate change, the travel industry is gearing up for a revolution. The battle against carbon emissions is about to take off, literally! A report by CWT and GBTA, ‘2040: Baseline, Boom or Bust’, presents a future where environmental impact will be the leading factor in consumer and corporate decision-making.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is no longer a distant dream. It’s the new reality that’s going to shape our travel choices. According to Mark Corbett, CEO of Thrust Carbon, “By 2040, it will be second nature to consider environmental and financial costs”. SAF, made from various sources like bio-fuels, waste oils, and synthetic fuels, is designed to reduce emissions and waste. This green fuel is rapidly gaining popularity, with airlines across the globe beginning to incorporate SAFs into their operations. So, next time you book a flight, don’t forget to check if your airline aligns with your green values!

But it’s not just about fuel. The European Union’s 2024 CSRD regulations make it mandatory for entities to report business travel emissions, so the pressure is on. Environmental impact scoring is set to evolve, considering factors like the efficiency of new jets versus older models and different travel routes. It’s time for airlines to rethink their traditional hub-and-spoke models.

Changes are also on the horizon for business travelers. With increasing awareness of climate change and its devastating effects, there’s been a shift in travel patterns. Many now opt for longer stays with fewer trips, while others focus on batching their trips together. And by 2040, with carbon taxes on air travel and stricter emissions reporting, these changes may become the norm. The future of business travel will be shaped by real-time data tracking and artificial intelligence, enabling more effective reduction strategies.

Empowering travelers to cut their emissions is crucial to helping bring about this change. This can be done through travel policies, features of online booking tools, and carbon budgeting. From evaluating the necessity of same-day trips to encouraging direct flights and responsible decisions at the point of sale, there are multiple ways to make an impact.

In the casino of climate physics, betting on sustainable travel is a surefire way to win. Let’s put our money where our planet needs it most and make our travels greener, one flight at a time.