The Future of Sustainable Travel and Aviation Fuel: What to Expect This Summer
With the recent announcement made in the Kings Speech about an upcoming Sustainable Aviation Fuel Bill coinciding with the start of the summer holidays it gives us a good moment to pause and reflect on sustainable travel. There is no denying it, travel is an integral part of life, but we can still strive to reduce our environmental impact on our journeys.
It is too soon to comment on what the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Bill might deliver, but we do know that broadly speaking it aims to support sustainable aviation fuel production. This will be a crucial next step toward reducing the carbon footprint of the aviation industry.
What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel?
So, what is sustainable aviation fuel? It’s a cleaner alternative to conventional jet fuel, produced from sustainable sources such as waste oils, agricultural residues and non-food crops. If adopted successfully it has potential to reduced greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional fossil-based jet fuels. It can be used in existing aircraft engines, making it a practical and immediate solution to lower aviation's environmental impact.
Why does it matter?
The significance of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Bill should not be overlooked. If successful it could:
🌍 Reduce Carbon Emissions: Significantly cutting down the carbon footprint of air travel.
🌍 Promote Innovation: Encouraging research and development in sustainable fuel technologies.
🌍 Boost the Economy: Creating new jobs and opportunities within the sustainable energy sector.
🌍 Enhance Energy Security: Reducing dependence on fossil fuels by diversifying energy sources.
What can we do in the meantime?
In the meantime, while we gear up for this step-change in the aviation industry there are easy wins we can all make as global citizens:
✈️ Choose Airlines Committed to Sustainability: Opt for airlines that have pledged to reduce their environmental impact and are actively incorporating Sustainable Aviation Fuel into their operations.
🌍 Offset Your Carbon Footprint: Many airlines offer carbon offset programs where you can contribute to environmental projects that compensate for the emissions of your flight.
🧳 Pack Light: Lighter luggage means less fuel consumption. Be mindful of what you pack and try to travel with only the essentials.
🔄Explore Direct Flights: Non-stop flights use less fuel than flights with layovers, as take-offs and landings consume a significant amount of energy.
🌿 Support Local and Sustainable Tourism: Choose eco-friendly accommodations and participate in activities that promote conservation and support local communities.
This potential shift in the aviation industry should foster innovation and opportunities in the job market. We foresee the potential to reskill and upskill in this evolving industry as we try to advance our impact in this emerging market. If you would like to discuss how Impact Beyond can support your expanding team or to target this market as the next step in your career, please get in touch!
