Industry leader in its commitment to the environment
… / Climate change

Climate change

Airbus is leading the way toward a more sustainable aviation sector, optimising the essential role that air transport has in the modern economy with need to address climate change. That’s why, as a core economic sector answering the vital needs for mobility of our world, the aviation industry accepts its responsibility and proactively promotes the shift toward a more sustainable world.

Air transport lies at the heart of the modern economy, carrying approximately 35 per cent of world trade in value, supporting 56 million jobs worldwide and contributing US $2.2 trillion of gross domestic product. If aviation were a country, it would have the 19th largest economy worldwide. Yet according to the intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, aviation generates approximately 2 per cent of global CO2 emissions, in addition to other greenhouse gases.

And ahead…

And ahead…

Working toward these ambitious industry targets, Airbus is proactively participating in the public debate with participation at major forums. Airbus recognises air transport’s need to move toward a low-carbon economy in a way that also allows it to progress and to continue benefiting the global economy and sustainable development.  

Airbus is cooperating with its peers to define “green strategies” for the planet, including improved control of the aircraft flying the skies of Europe and the United States. In 2011, the company launched its ProSky subsidiary to focus on enhancing the development and support of modern air traffic management systems such as Europe’s SESAR and NextGen in the U.S.  A major goal of the subsidiary is to accelerate the implementation of these two systems, and link them together by capitalising on their technological, operational and commercial synergies.

Airbus also is lobbying think tanks and bodies such as the European Commission, promoting the aviation sector’s view that use of sustainable bio-fuels should be reserved for aviation and developed for its use as soon as possible. 

Building on this momentum, Airbus has partnered with Lufthansa to launch the first daily commercial passenger service using bio-fuels. For an initial six-month period beginning 15 July 2011, these flights are being performed between Hamburg and Frankfurt with an A321 powered by a bio-fuel blend made from 50 per cent Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO).

In accordance with its Vision 2020, Airbus is fully engaged to develop new technologies to reach the aviation sector’s commitments. These initiatives are based on cooperation and innovation principles in a win-win dynamic. In accordance with Airbus’ “mitigation” approach, the company aims to increase the aviation industry’s environmental performance by supporting green economy and technologies transfers, especially in developing countries, creating a sustainable “virtuous circle.”