Industry Insights
U.S. Airlines Continue to Grow Greener as Sustainability Takes Center Stage in Davos
January 24, 2020
Leaders from around the world gathered at the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland this week to discuss key global issues including the economy, security and – of course — sustainability. Environmental concerns, including the importance of addressing climate change, are not new to WEF, and the public-private approach WEF champions for action has long been central to the U.S. airlines’ commitment to climate change and sustainability.
We connect and protect the planet while serving as a green economic engine. U.S. carriers transported 42 percent more passengers and cargo in 2018 than in 2000 with just a 3 percent increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Today, U.S carriers transport 2.4 million passengers and 58,000 tons of cargo per day, while contributing just 2 percent of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions.
And, that’s not all. The world’s airlines, including U.S. carriers, have committed to the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), an international agreement that supports achieving carbon-neutral growth in international commercial aviation beginning in 2021. Moreover, our industry has committed to achieving a 50 percent net reduction in carbon dioxide emissions in 2050 relative to 2005 levels.
The industry continues to work toward further reducing emissions by investing in new, more fuel-efficient aircraft, sustainable alternative aviation fuels, air traffic control improvements, cutting-edge route-optimization software, carbon offsets and more. To advance these measures, we are working with the U.S. government, airframe and engine manufacturers, airports and others around the world in research and development projects, air traffic modernization, energy transformation and more – precisely the types of public-private collaborations WEF confirms are critical to green operations, infrastructure, technology and ensuring sustainability for generations to come.
U.S. airlines have a strong record on sustainability and are committed to doing our part. As leaders across the globe gather to discuss a myriad of environmental initiatives, U.S. carriers are proud to continue leading the fight against climate change and ensuring a sustainable future for all.
For more information about the industry’s efforts, visit www.airlinesflygreen.com.