How does fleet renewal with new-generation aircraft enable airlines to respond effectively to the challenges of decarbonisation?
Fleet renewal with new-generation aircraft is a key lever enabling airlines to respond to the challenges of decarbonisation. The A220, A320neo, A330neo and A350, for example, consume on average 15 to 25% less fuel than previous generations. This performance is due to more efficient engines, optimised aerodynamics and the use of lighter materials. As a result, unit CO₂ emissions per passenger have fallen by 31% since 2000.
But fleet renewal is not only about improving energy efficiency: it also paves the way for the integration of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), a key lever for decarbonisation. Today, SAFs can be used in blends of up to 50% with conventional kerosene. New generations of aircraft have been designed to facilitate the use of 100% SAFs in the long term, in line with the certification standards expected by 2030.
Fleet renewal also helps to limit other pollutants, particularly nitrogen oxides (NOx), which are responsible for indirect climate effects. It also reduces noise pollution and local emissions of fine particles, which is essential for the acceptability of airport platforms.
Finally, this approach enables airlines to meet growing regulatory requirements (ReFuelEU Aviation, ETS carbon market) and optimise their long-term costs, while improving their environmental performance. It is a concrete lever that can be mobilised immediately and is central to the aviation sector's decarbonisation trajectory.
What priority levers are airlines activating beyond their fleets to reduce the environmental impact of their activities?
Airlines are activating several operational levers to rapidly reduce their environmental footprint.
In flight, they are implementing eco-piloting procedures (continuous climbs and descents, optimised speed and altitude management), adopting more direct flight paths and reducing the weight of aircraft by lightening equipment.
On the ground, they are rolling out more environmentally friendly practices (use of a single engine, electric towing and pushback), limiting taxiing time and gradually replacing their equipment with electric or hybrid solutions that reduce the use of APUs during stopovers.
These measures deliver immediate CO₂ savings of up to 3-5% per flight.
At the same time, airlines are committing to the energy transition by signing long-term supply agreements with SAF producers, co-financing local or European production chains, and gradually incorporating it on certain regular routes, whether operated from major hubs or secondary routes.
Some are also offering voluntary carbon offsetting, supporting reforestation, biodiversity or carbon absorption projects, or commercial offers that include a share of SAF or contribute positively to the climate.
These complementary measures are part of a gradual but structured path towards the decarbonisation of air transport.
Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) are presented as a key lever for the future. What projects are underway or planned for these innovative fuels?
Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) are the main lever identified by the industry to achieve carbon neutrality in air transport by 2050.
To meet this challenge, several structural projects are underway or in preparation at national and European level. The industry is calling for a rapid increase in production, in line with the targets set by the European RefuelEU Aviation Regulation: 6% SAF (including 1.2% e-fuel) by 2030 and 20% (including 5% e-fuel) by 2035.
In order to achieve these targets, industry players (airlines, producers, manufacturers) are signing long-term supply agreements, co-financing local supply chains and supporting R&D into advanced biofuels and e-fuels. The development of national production capacity is also considered strategic for energy sovereignty, job creation and competitiveness.
However, the market is still relatively immature and limited in volume. The sector is therefore calling for specific support mechanisms (production subsidies, Contracts for Difference, price guarantees) to bridge the significant cost gap with fossil kerosene.
The development of SAFs is also supported by European initiatives such as the RLCF (Renewable and Low Carbon Fuels) and AZEA (Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation) alliances, as well as the SkyPower programme, which aim to establish an appropriate industrial, regulatory and financial framework.
Finally, crucial issues relating to biomass distribution, low-carbon electricity pricing for e-fuel production and regulatory consistency at European level still need to be resolved in order to secure the ramp-up trajectory for SAF.
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