The aviation industry is facing a crisis that not only affects its internal
03-08-24
The aviation industry is facing a crisis that not only affects its internal operations, but also has significant implications for the environment. Recent difficulties have raised concerns about meeting global climate targets, especially due to the industry's inability to reduce its carbon emissions in the short term.
One of the critical factors behind the crisis is the disruption in the supply chain for more efficient aircraft. Air New Zealand, for example, has been forced to postpone its goal of reducing carbon emissions by 2030 due to delays in the delivery of Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A320neo aircraft. These models are known for their fuel efficiency and lower emissions, but the lack of availability prolongs the use of older, more polluting fleets.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), which offers a significantly lower carbon footprint than conventional jet fuel, is seen as a promising solution. However, SAF production is not keeping pace with global demand. Currently, only a small fraction of the fuel used in aviation is SAF, and production capacity needs dramatic expansion before it can be a viable alternative on a large scale.