Over the course of its 40-year history, Airbus has put the highest priority on environmental performance. From the beginning, the company has adhered to its philosophy of increasing the number of passengers (or amount of freight) per flight, while reducing overall energy consumption and perceived noise.

With this goal in mind, Airbus has contributed significantly to the aviation industry’s improved eco-efficiency over the past decades. In 1985, the average aircraft fleet consumed eight litres per passenger per 100 kilometres – today it is less than five litres, with an anticipated drop to three litres in 15-20 years.

The pioneering A320 – which Airbus introduced in 1988 – provides the lowest fuel burn per trip of any single aisle aircraft with more than 100 seats, and its 21st century flagship A380 has a relative fuel efficiency of 2.9 litres.

Airbus aircraft show significant progress in eco-efficiency across the board when compared to aircraft from the 1970s, including a 20-decibel decrease in noise with 75 per cent less noise annoyance. Air quality also has been drastically improved with a 90 per cent reduction in unburned hydrocarbon (HC) and smoke emissions, and a more than 50 per cent reduction in carbon monoxide.

Eco-efficiency is a top objective of Airbus, as well as a key element of its Vision 2020 guidelines – which outline the company’s environmental approach, social practices and economic performance.

To measure its eco-efficiency and progress toward the company’s environmental goals, Airbus has developed a methodology focusing on the "seven Ps" - products, processes, plants, people, profits, procurement and perception - each with its own measurement criteria and objectives.
 
Airbus also is part of the Geneva-based Air Transport Action Group (ATAG) – an independent coalition of member organisations and companies throughout the global air transport industry that advocates the environmentally responsible development of aviation infrastructure. Visit the ATAG-sponsored website www.enviro.aero to discover what Airbus and other industry members are doing to limit air transport’s impact on the environment.