Climate change mitigation

What is climate change mitigation?

The aviation industry accounts for between 2-3% of global CO₂ emissions, and we also understand that several non-CO₂ emissions have climate effects. Airbus believes that decarbonising aerospace is no longer enough: we must decarbonise and address other aspects of aviation’s impact on the climate, such as non-CO₂ emissions.

Our decarbonisation levers

One of the key ways we address our CO₂ emissions is through the various decarbonisation levers. These reflect a range of solutions to reduce the carbon emissions which result from aviation, which we are exploring in parallel. Some are already making a difference today, while others represent longer-term solutions that will take more time to mature.

Latest generation and future aircraft

Fleet renewal – replacing older aircraft with newer, more fuel-efficient ones – and innovating new wing, propulsion, material and systems technologies for future aircraft.

Sustainable aviation fuels

Working across the value chain to accelerate the adoption of SAF, which can cut lifecycle CO₂ emissions by up to 80%.

Operational improvements

Optimising how aircraft fly, such as by improving air traffic management procedures and using trajectory-based operations, has the potential to reduce aviation emissions by 5-10%.

Market-based measures

To reach the industry-wide goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, some market-based measures will be necessary to address the emissions gap.

Bringing the decarbonisation levers to life

Sustainable aviation fuel

Airbus promotes SAF production and uptake by deploying SAF in its own operations, by forming cross-industry partnerships, and by making strategic investments. Discover our role in the ecosystem.

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Hydrogen

Airbus has the ambition to introduce a fully electric, hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft into service. Check out the latest developments.

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Future aircraft

Airbus is carefully considering every aspect of a future aircraft’s architecture to optimise aerodynamic performance and fuel efficiency. Learn more about the innovations shaping the future of flight.

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Non-CO₂ emissions

Airbus is focusing on three primary areas of research relating to non-CO₂ emissions. These are in alignment with the authorities, international bodies and much of the industry.