According to BCD Travel’s report, the future of air travel is expected to bounce back after a difficult period due to the pandemic, with a focus on sustainability. The report shows that both travel managers and travellers see environmentally sustainable travel as important, and airlines are working towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 in response to consumer, government, and regulatory demands.

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is seen as a practical solution for reducing air travel’s carbon footprint. SAF refers to fuels made from waste or renewable sources that meet certain sustainability criteria. Currently, aircraft are allowed to use up to 50% blended SAF, but its use still makes up less than 0.1% of total aviation fuel consumption.

Airlines are committing to increasing their SAF use, and BCD Travel and Delta Air Lines recently signed the first-ever SAF agreement for a travel management company. Corporate travel programs are also exploring SAF, with a small but growing number committing to use it.

Despite the benefits of SAF, airlines are also looking into other alternatives such as hybrid-electric, fully electric, and hydrogen-powered flights that could offer reduced or even zero emissions in the future.

Rail travel is also being considered a sustainable option for shorter trips, especially with the increasing availability of high-speed electric-powered rail. Using a combination of air and rail can also reduce travel’s carbon footprint. Delta is offering an Air + Rail train connection program in Europe to provide train connections from airports.

BCD’s Vice President of Sustainability, Olivia Ruggles-Brise, emphasized that addressing carbon emissions from aviation is a challenge in the quest for net zero but individuals can play a role in the future sustainability of aviation by critically evaluating the need for each flight and considering sustainable options such as flying on new aircraft, selecting direct routes, or travelling in economy class.

The future of aviation lies in purposeful travel that maximizes value and minimizes impact. BCD’s second report on the future of air travel is set to be published later in 2023.

Written by: Matthew Thomas

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