[Green Growth:Korea`s New Strategy (32)]Eco-efficient aviation opens ways to green future

The following is the 32nd in a series of articles focusing on the Korean government`s "green growth" strategy. The series will also introduce the increasing efforts of major advanced countries of the world to promote a green economy. - Ed.





Air transport is a vital part of society and its activities. Through the ages people have always had a desire to travel, experience foreign cultures and visit new places.

As the global economy grows and operations internationalize, the need for fast connections continues to increase.

Flying is gaining popularity as a form of mass transit, which means carbon emissions are growing, too. In order to solve the problem of increasing carbon emissions, airlines must adopt principles of sustainable development. Sustainability in this context means economic, social and ecological sustainability.

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Economic sustainability is the basis of successful operations. An airline with strong finances is able to invest in new aircraft. With its finances in good order, a company can also bear its social responsibility, care for its employees and fulfill the needs of interest groups.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has set the goal of emission-free aviation by 2050. To achieve this goal, aviation can build its environmental work on four cornerstones: technological development, favorable infrastructure, operational means and market management.



Technology for emission-free aircraft

Investing in the best available aircraft technology is one of the most significant environmental acts an airline can accomplish. The latest aircraft models are more efficient in their fuel consumption and hence produce significantly less emissions. In the near future aircraft will be made using composite materials that will make them lighter. Aerodynamics will develop further.

An organization composed of regulators, aircraft and engine manufacturers and research institutes, the Advisory Council for Aeronautics Research in Europe (ACARE) aims to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 80 percent, CO2 by 50 percent and noise by 50 percent. Previously, it would have been more pragmatic to set out to decrease only one emission or the other. Today, governments, industry members and stakeholders are investing heavily in lowering all these emissions.

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For airlines, it is also possible to make modifications to existing fleet, for example, by installing winglets. These can provide up to 5 percent of fuel savings per flight. In addition, lighter equipment, seats and other elements onboard can also help reduce fuel consumption. Various means can be used to optimize the amount of fuel that airlines expend.

Technological developments also include biofuels. There have been many trial flights using different substances, mostly mixing kerosene with other fuels such as jathroba oil, babassu oil and GTL (gas to liquids). Due to its special requirements such as freezing point and high energy content demand, fuel for aviation requires special caution and rigorous testing. Supply and demand chain issues also limit the testing options. It is especially important to develop second-generation biofuels that do not harm food production and are hence produced in a sustainable way. While developing biofuels seems to be a very promising way to reduce the environmental impact of aviation it could certainly benefit from further research and investment.

Airlines need to continuously invest in the latest technology. Fleet modernization helps lower carbon emissions. For instance, the fuel consumption and emission of an Airbus 330 aircraft is 20 percent less than that of an old Boeing MD-11. The new Airbus 350XWB aircraft, moreover, will improve efficiency by up to 30 percent. These aircraft use composite materials and advanced aerodynamics.



Direct routes lower emissions

Operational means can and should be used by the sector to identify optimum flight routes and flight levels. Continuous Descent Approach or CDA landings, which help reduce both noise and emissions, have been made at Helsinki-Vantaa since 2001. This type of landing method is currently gaining a foothold around the world.

Cooperation between different parties is important when pursuing efficiency. It is important for air traffic control and the airport in particular to develop their activities and find the best operating practices.

Choosing the right type of aircraft for each route is possible through efficient fleet planning.

In terms of infrastructure, an uncongested airport and effective air traffic control are essential. Helsinki-Vantaa has three runways and its efficient field organization creates opportunities for environmentally positive operations.

In ground operations, too, airlines can focus on their fleet selection. For example, ground handling vehicles can use alternative energy sources. Many airports seek carbon neutrality and take all these different options into account. This also calls for more efficient public transport systems for employees as well as passengers.

All the other functions that support flight operations can be executed in an environmentally conscious way. Catering services together with cabin services should try to recycle and reduce waste. These operations can also minimize the use of materials, energy and waste. Efficient infrastructure offer means for better environmental management.

Other functions like cargo handling and maintenance and technical services must reduce their impact on the environment. It is certainly possible to reduce the amount of harmful substances used in maintenance and overhaul. Well-maintained, clean engines and aircraft are more environmentally friendly.



Future of air travel

In terms of financial control measures, some airlines support a global emissions trading model instead of different models for different regions. Well-balanced market steering methods guide the airlines and consumers towards more eco-efficient flying. To secure growth it is also important for the sector to work actively with interest groups. Environmental and sustainability reports, emission calculators and web-pages by airlines as well as from various interest groups offer valuable information. One example is the Enviro. Aero Initiatives (http://www.enviro.aero/)

It is important to consider the manner in which one flies when seeking emission reductions and environmental efficiency. Direct routes, new aircraft and travel optimisation will ensure that air transport continues to develop in a sustainable way.

The integration of different modes of transport should also be supported in society. Airlines can offer products that combine, for example, rail and flight travel. It should be noted, furthermore, that every form of transport leaves its own ecological footprint. Air emissions represent a problem for air transport, but the sector does not, on the other hand, consume nonrenewable resources. With a three kilometer runway one can travel to the ends of the earth, but by road or rail only those same three kilometers.

Travellers have the power to choose the company that invests in environmental and social responsibility work. Nowadays, comparing different companies and routes is easy.

By Kati Ihamaki