Airlines and sustainability: the top 5 that lead the way in aviation
Airlines and sustainability are not opposites. Leading airlines with environmentally conscious programs demonstrate that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand.
In an era where climate awareness has become paramount, airlines and sustainability are forced to coexist. The aviation industry is facing increasing pressure to address its environmental impact. Some of the leading airlines are making significant strides in sustainability. They are implementing innovative practices that reduce emissions, minimize waste, and create greener travel options. Here are the five most sustainable airlines pioneering green initiatives in the industry.
How are airlines and sustainability revolutionizing aviation?
1. Scandinavian Airlines (SAS)
Scandinavian Airlines has set an example and become a pioneer in sustainable aviation practices. For its comprehensive sustainability program, it has received recognition from the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Sustainable Practices: have achieved a 25% reduction in CO₂ emissions per passenger kilometer since 2005.
- Committed to using 17% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by 2030.
- Operates one of Europe's youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets with an average age of 5.6 years.
- Implemented a comprehensive waste reduction program, reducing onboard waste by 50% since 2019.
According to SAS's own sustainability reports, fuel efficiency saves approximately 280,000 tons of CO₂ per year. It aims to reduce total carbon emissions by 25% by 2025, compared to 2005 levels.
Impact on prices: When flying with SAS, you have the option, as a passenger, to pay a fee (between €10 and €15 on short-haul flights) to support sustainable aviation fuel initiatives. These base fares remain competitive with other European airlines.
Future: SAS intends to incorporate 100% electric aircraft for short-haul routes by 2030. To achieve this, it is investing $4.5 billion in modernizing its fleet.
2. Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand received the Eco-Airline of the Year award in 2019 from the Air Transport World. The airline maintains the highest rating in the Airline Sustainability Benchmarking Report by IATA.
Sustainable Practices:
- Reduced carbon emissions by 19% per revenue ton kilometer since 2015.
- Eliminated over 29 million single-use plastic items from operations since 2018.
- Operates one of the most fuel-efficient long-haul networks globally.
- Pioneered lightweight carbon fiber trolleys that reduced aircraft weight and fuel consumption.
According to Air New Zealand's ISO 14001 sustainability certification, its operational improvements save up to 37,000 tons of fuel per year, equivalent to reducing CO₂ emissions by 116,550 tons.
Impact on prices: Of all the airlines and sustainability experts, Air New Zealand has managed to implement its practices without a significant increase in flight prices. They offer a carbon offset volunteer program for passengers.
Future Plans: The airline is working with aircraft manufacturers to develop hydrogen and electric-powered aircraft for domestic routes by 2035.
3. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
The Dow Jones Sustainability Index has long recognized KLM's sustainability leadership. It has maintained transparent reporting through its annual sustainability reports verified by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).
Sustainable Practices:
- First airline to operate commercial flights using sustainable aviation fuel blends in 2011.
- Reduced water consumption by 38% per passenger since 2010.
- Achieved a 90% waste recycling rate at their home base operations.
- Promoting responsible travel choices through its program, Fly Responsibly.
The airline's SAF program shows that the company has reduced CO2 emissions by more than 80,000 tons since its inception. Fleet renewal has improved fuel efficiency by 1.5% annually over the past 10 years.
Price Impact: KLM's sustainable practices contribute between 1% and 3% to operating costs. This translates into minimal increases in passenger fares. The airline offers a transparent "CO₂ZERO" compensation program, the costs of which are displayed during booking.
Future Plans: KLM is committed to using 10% SAF by 2030. It also has a €200 million investment plan to develop sustainable aviation over the next 10 years.
4. Alaska Airlines
When it comes to airlines and sustainability, Alaska Airlines deserves special mention. The airline earned the highest ranking among North American airlines in the Airline Sustainability Benchmark Report for three consecutive years and maintains certification from the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group.
Sustainable Practices:
- Reduced emissions by 16% per revenue passenger mile since 2012.
- First airline to remove plastic straws and picks from flights (getting rid of 22 million plastic items annually).
- Implemented precision navigation technology, reducing flight distances and saving more than 8 million gallons of fuel annually.
- Pioneered sustainable aviation fuel testing programs in the U.S.
According to Alaska Airlines' verification by The Climate Registry, its fuel conservation programs save up to 13 million gallons of fuel annually, avoiding nearly 123,000 metric tons of CO₂ emissions.
Price Impact: Alaska Airlines maintains competitive fares while implementing sustainable practices focused on initiatives that generate environmental and economic benefits.
Future Plans: The airline's main goal is to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. It plans to replace 100% of ground support equipment with electric alternatives by 2030.
5. Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines has received the highest rating in the APEX World Class sustainability certification and maintains ISO 14001 environmental management certification across its operations.
Sustainable Practices:
- Operates one of the world's youngest and most fuel-efficient long-haul fleets (average age: 6.5 years).
- Reduced carbon intensity by 32% since 2009.
- Implemented “farm to plane” delivery, reducing food miles by 80% on select routes.
- It is the first Asian airline to launch a comprehensive sustainable aviation fuel program.
The Global Reporting Initiative confirmed that the airline's sustainability data is more than positive. Fleet modernization has reduced fuel efficiency by 30% compared to previous-generation aircraft. This saves up to 1.7 million tons of CO2 per year.
Price Impact: Singapore Airlines integrates sustainable practices as part of its premium product offering, with limited direct impact on fares.
Future Plans: The airline is investing $50 million in sustainable aviation research. It has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
How can travelers contribute to airline sustainability?
Travelers can support airlines and sustainability by:
- Purchase direct flights whenever possible (takeoffs and landings use the most fuel).
- Travel light and avoid excess baggage to improve aircraft fuel efficiency.
- Participating in airline carbon offset programs.
- Select airlines are committed to the environment.
- Support the development of sustainable aviation fuel through voluntary contribution programs.
According to data from IATA and ATAG, changes in consumer decision-making can help reduce a traveler's carbon footprint by up to 25% per flight.
Pamela Herrera
