We strive to improve our own products, services and operations and to tackle the Scope 3 emissions of our aircraft in service. 

Continuously improving our products

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Decarbonisation

Towards low-carbon air travel for future generations

Our aircraft and helicopters are extremely popular all over the world. And we never stop trying to make them better. 

Aviation has improved its efficiency in the last 60 years. The aviation sector has cut fuel burn and CO2 emissions per seat-kilometre by more than 80%, NOx emissions by 90% and noise by 75%. Our current product portfolio is more efficient than its predecessors, thanks to improvements like engine optimisation and the use of more lightweight materials. We pioneer alternative fuels and disruptive technologies and we also adapt our air traffic management and operational practices with the aim of reducing emissions.

Sustainability - To build on safety and quality

Environmental responsibility

A lifecycle approach to environmental impact

Ultimately, our decarbonisation ambitions start at home: we are actively reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions and our environmental footprint, as well as tackling  Scope 3 emissions in our value chain.

Exploring technologies that will transform flight
 

We pioneer disruptive technologies and alternative fuels.

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ZEROe

Hydrogen-powered Aircraft

As part of our ZEROe programme, we are testing new prototype aircraft powered by hydrogen, with a view to bringing a hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft to market by 2035. This programme explores a variety of configurations and hydrogen technologies – including fuel cells and hydrogen combustion. 

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Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Advancing the ecosystem for a proven alternative fuel

We believe that sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is one of the most promising decarbonisation solutions and are actively using it across our range of commercial and military aircraft and helicopters. All of our commercial aircraft are already able to fly with 50% SAF, and we aim to have a 100% SAF capable fleet by 2030 for commercial and military aircraft and for helicopters. 

Ushering in the next generation of CityAirbus, the fully electric vehicle is equipped with fixed wings, a V-shaped tail, and eight electrically powered propellers as part of its uniquely designed distributed propulsion system.

Hybrid and electric flight

Laying the groundwork for decarbonising aviation

We also see electrification as a major lever to decarbonise aviation. In the urban air mobility space, our fully electric four-seater CityAirbus NextGen eVTOL will offer an alternative means of transport in multiple applications by 2030.

Tackling climate change through our products and services

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Climate Monitoring

Geospatial data to help fight climate change

In the face of global threats such as deforestation, biodiversity loss, wildfires and rising sea levels we need the best data. Earth observation satellites are a vital tool to monitor the effects of climate change on natural ecosystems. 

Our satellites have monitored the progression of the 2021 Fagradalsfjall volcano eruption in Iceland and rising water levels at the San Quintin Glacier in Chile. They also help to facilitate prompt action in response to natural disasters. 

We can also deploy our technology to tackle some of these threats directly. Helicopters are an important ally for combating wildfires, and play a key role in disaster relief and humanitarian missions.

Sustainability in Space

Space preservation

Mitigating debris in space

Space exploration has given us so much - from the first images of our precious planet to material evidence that Earth is the only celestial body on which we know intelligent life exists. But the means to monitor space and take us there have also contributed to orbital debris.

At Airbus, we believe we have a responsibility to mitigate the risk of orbital debris. We are testing in-orbit technologies to clear space junk, and are also participating in a consortium aimed at defining a Space Sustainability Rating (SSR). 

Discover more


 

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Responsible supply chain

Environmental and social responsibility across the supply chain

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UN Sustainable Development Goals

A shared blueprint for peace and prosperity

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Helicopter sound footprint

Lowering the sound levels of our rotorcraft

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Gathering pace towards sustainable aerospace

Our interactive sustainability booklet