We live in an era where environmental consciousness can not just be a trend, but a necessity.
The airline industry faces the challenge of reducing its carbon footprint due to passenger demand for the good of the environment.
Right now the airline industry contributes 1 billion kg (2.2 trillion pounds) of CO₂ per year which is about 2.5% of global carbon dioxide emissions.
We wanted to show our appreciation to those airlines that are at the top of the eco-friendly and sustainability leaderboards.
We broke down each airline's sustainability into five categories: fuel, fleet, waste, carbon emissions, and innovations.
Choosing an airline committed to sustainability is not just a personal choice, but a shared responsibility for the future of our planet.
How We Rated the Most Sustainable Airlines
When we were listing the world's most eco-friendly and sustainable airlines, we focused on five different things.
First, we looked at each airline's use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), a biofuel that plays a big role in reducing carbon emissions through its renewable and lower carbon footprint compared to traditional jet fuel.
Next, we considered how airlines are modernizing their fleets, since newer aircraft are designed to be more fuel-efficient, reducing fuel consumption, emissions, and for the CEOs, cost.
Then we looked at waste management, like when airlines do things like reducing single-use plastics and recycling aboard flights.
We also wanted to show each airline's commitment to carbon offsetting and their set targets for achieving carbon neutrality or net-zero emissions, especially those airlines with clear plans for doing so.
Lastly, for fun, we added a few notes to those airlines that are uniquely innovating, such as investing in biofuel plants, offering eco-driving training for pilots, or even changing to
sustainable clothing materials for uniforms.
Most Eco-Friendly Airlines
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
KLM has been a main leader in using Sustainable Aviation Fuel, already using biofuel for flights and wants to keep increasing SAF usage.
They've invested in eco-friendly fuel projects, including the first passenger flight powered by synthetic kerosene, aiming to be a leader as a sustainable airline.
Fleet Modernization
KLM has slowly been integrating newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft like the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 into its fleet. Both will help KLM reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
Waste Management
KLM uses
artificial intelligence to predict passenger numbers more accurately, allowing them to reduce food waste by preparing an appropriate number of meals. This has led to a 63% reduction in food waste on flights, saving over 100,000 kg of meals annually.
Their aim is to move towards a circular economy by reusing as much as possible from their catering services, and have goals to reduce residual waste by 50% by 2030.
Carbon Offsetting and Emissions Goals
KLM offers passengers the option to offset their flight's carbon emissions through the CO2ZERO program. Funds from this program are invested in Gold Standard certified projects, which include renewable energy initiatives, nature regeneration, and reforestation projects in places like Panama, Colombia, and Uganda.
KLM has goals for a CO2-neutral ground operation by 2030, focusing on electrification of ground equipment, using renewable energy, and improving energy efficiency.
Sustainable Innovation
KLM has already been upcycling their old uniforms into high-quality products like shoes, belts, and bags.
They also offer eco-driving training for pilots to optimize flight plans to reduce the time spent burning fuel on the ground or in the air, and use techniques like "water washing" engines to reduce fuel consumption.
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS)
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
Since September 2019, SAS has allowed eco-conscience passengers to purchase blocks of biofuel to offset their carbon emissions, with the goal of making travel more sustainable.
They have partnerships with companies like Preem in Sweden to increase the production of SAF, and they participate in projects like Green Fuels for Denmark, which focuses on producing electrofuel for airplanes using wind power.
Fleet Modernization
SAS has committed to fleet renewal with aircraft that offer significant reductions in fuel consumption and emissions. The new aircraft, including the A320neo series and A350s, have shown to reduce fuel consumption by 15-30% compared to the older models they replace.
Beyond just new aircraft, SAS's strategy includes updating its network and adjusting their fleet sizes to match sustainability demands.
Waste Management
SAS uses lightweight, reusable plates and silverware in its cabins to cut down on waste. These are designed to be durable and more environmentally friendly.
SAS encourages passengers to pre-order their meals online before the flight. This reduces food waste by making sure that only the meals that will be eaten are made.
Carbon Offsetting and Emissions Goals
SAS offsets all 'Youth' tickets for passengers under 25 years old, and all flights booked through the EuroBonus loyalty program are automatically carbon offset (about 40% of passengers).
SAS supports the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) ambition for net zero carbon emissions from commercial flights by 2050, and leading the charge by already reducing their carbon emissions 25% by 2030.
Sustainable Innovation
SAS has partnered with companies like Heart Aerospace for electric aircraft, planning for short-haul and regional flights to be powered by electricity in the future.
They are also looking into hydrogen as a potential fuel source through collaborations with Airbus.
United Airlines
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
United was the first airline to fly a passenger flight using 100% SAF in December 2021, and have since set goals to triple their SAF use to around 10 million gallons.
United engages with passengers to increase awareness about SAF, using their platform to educate people on the benefits of sustainable fuels, showing them SAF can even be made from waste products like used cooking oil and algae.
Fleet Modernization
United has ordered 110 new aircraft, with 50 Boeing 787-9s and 60 Airbus A321neos set to be delivered from 2028 to 2031, getting closer to their plan of making 75% of its fleet new-generation, sustainable aircraft by 2030.
United's strategy is to retire older, less efficient aircraft like the Boeing 757-200s to make way for these modern, eco-friendlier options.
Waste Management
United recycles materials like aluminum cans, plastic bottles, and paper from flights and facilities, having recycled over 27.8 million pounds of such materials in the past seven years.
They've also partnered with companies like Clean the World to recycle and repurpose unused amenity kits into hygiene kits for communities in need.
Carbon Offsetting and Emissions Goals
United has an offset program named Eco-Skies CarbonChoice, though it's more for its corporate passengers rather than individual travelers. The program allows companies to offset their travel emissions through partnerships with Conservation International for verified projects.
United Airlines was one of the first in the U.S. airline industry committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 without relying on carbon offsets. They are steadily on their way to achieving their goal.
Sustainable Innovation
They've signed agreements for up to 15 'Overture' airliners from Boom Supersonic, which are expected to be net-zero carbon and could connect 500+ cities with insanely reduced travel times.
There’s also their investment in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft from Archer Aviation, which could reduce carbon emissions during airport takeoffs.
Qantas
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
Qantas has set a target to have 10% of its fuel mix comprised of SAF by 2030 and approximately 60% by 2050. This is a major part of their Climate Action Plan to reduce their carbon emissions over the next couple decades.
They are collaborating with Airbus on the Australian Sustainable Aviation Fuel Partnership, committing up to $200 million for more SAF production within Australia.
Fleet Modernization
Qantas is actively modernizing its fleet with something it calls Project Fysh. They are replacing older models like the A330 and A380 with A350-1000s that are far more eco-friendly over long haul flights.
For domestic and short international routes, Qantas has ordered A220s and A321XLRs that are 25% more fuel-efficient than the aircraft they replace
Waste Management
Qantas has set an ambitious goal to eliminate all single-use plastics by 2027, excluding items required for medical or health and safety reasons. They are going to replace 45 million plastic cups, 30 million cutlery sets, 21 million coffee cups, and 4 million headrest covers with more sustainable alternatives.
They also conducted the world's first zero-waste flight in 2019, where all waste was either reusable, recyclable, or compostable, and want to start doing more of these flights after a successful test.
Carbon Offsetting and Emissions Goals
Qantas offers customers the option to offset their flight's carbon emissions during booking, and even matches passenger contributions dollar-for-dollar.
Qantas major emissions goals are a 25% reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, and like many other airlines, zero emissions by 2050.
Sustainable Innovation
Qantas has a $400 million fund dedicated to the development of technologies and solutions for sustainable aviation, including carbon removal technologies.
They have partnered with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation to support nature restoration and regeneration, aligning with broader sustainability goals.
Finnair
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
In 2023, Finnair used approximately 2,266 tons of SAF, which only accounted for about 0.2% of its total fuel consumption. They want to increase this amount each year until they hit 6% by 2030, 20% by 2035, and 70% by 2050.
Finnair has been purchasing SAF beyond the regulatory mandates, and they want to double their voluntary SAF purchases from 2024 to 2025.
Fleet Modernization
Finnair was one of the launch customers for the Airbus A350-900, and they plan to operate 19 A350s by the end of 2025.
Finnair has been adding A321 aircraft with Sharklets to its fleet, which are more fuel efficient by reducing drag. These planes are replacing older, less efficient models like the Boeing 757 on some routes.
Waste Management
Finnair set goals to halve the amount of single-use plastic waste from their flight operations by the end of 2022, which they achieved by replacing plastic cups with paper cups, and reducing plastic packaging materials in catering services.
Carbon Offsetting and Emissions Goals
Finnair partners with Chooose (yes that is three o’s), a platform where passengers can calculate their flight's carbon footprint and choose to offset through SAF or certified climate projects.
Finnair has short term goals to reduce carbon emissions by 34.5% by 2033 and long term aligns with the industry's goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
Sustainable Innovation
They changed to using wood or bamboo for cutlery instead of plastic, and packaging that is made from bio-based materials to reduce environmental impact.
Finnair has also reduced paper usage by fully switching to digital boarding passes and tickets.
Etihad Airways
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
Etihad has been actively involved in the research and development of SAF. In 2023, they helped found Air-CRAFT (Centre for Research in Advanced Fuel Technologies), which collaborates with leaders in the UAE aviation industry like Boeing and Khalifa University to accelerate the deployment of locally produced sustainable aviation fuels.
Etihad's efforts in sustainability, especially their 'ecoFlights' using SAF, have led them to being named Environmental Airline of the Year in 2022 and 2023 by Airline Ratings.
Fleet Modernization
Etihad has been focused on modernizing its fleet by introducing newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft, like the Boeing 787 Dreamliners, the Airbus A350-1000, and the Airbus A321neo.
Waste Management
Etihad has made major efforts to reduce single-use plastics, and they removed 80% of them from their airlines, saving over 17 tons from landfill.
Etihad has partnered with Tadweer, Abu Dhabi's waste management company, to explore turning waste into fuel, supporting the UAE's goal of diverting 75% of waste from landfills by 2025.
Carbon Offsetting and Emissions Goals
The Etihad Mangrove Forest program allows passengers to offset their flight emissions by contributing to planting mangrove forests in Abu Dhabi. Mangroves are extremely effective at carbon sequestration, removing tons of CO2 from the atmosphere.
Like many other eco-friendly airlines, Etihad has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and reducing net emission levels by 50% by 2035.
Sustainable Innovation
Etihad's entire fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners has been designated as 'Greenliners,' serving as flying test-beds for sustainable products and practices. They also introduced the "Sustainable50" initiative with Airbus, which does the same thing.
During the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, they became the world's first flight powered by homegrown biofuel made from saltwater Salicornia plants.
How Travelers Influence Airline Sustainability
In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in consumer behavior towards more environmentally conscious travel.
Travelers are increasingly aware of the carbon footprint associated with air travel and are making deliberate choices to support airlines that prioritize sustainability.
This trend is not only driven by a growing environmental consciousness but also by the desire to contribute to a more sustainable planet.
Airlines like KLM, SAS, United, Qantas, Finnair, and Etihad are seeing a rise in passenger interest due to their sustainability initiatives.
Travelers are more likely to opt for airlines that have a clear commitment to reducing emissions, using sustainable aviation fuels, or modernizing their fleets to be more eco-friendly.
This consumer pressure has led to a market where sustainability can be a competitive advantage, influencing airlines to adopt greener practices.
The Future of Sustainable Airlines
Airlines Current Path to Sustainability
Airlines are currently advancing sustainability multiple ways, including by increasing the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), modernizing fleets with more fuel-efficient aircraft, and finding efficiencies to reduce fuel use.
They're also engaging in carbon offsetting programs and aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050, alongside reducing waste through better in-flight practices.
Companies like Airbus have shown commitment to zero-emission flight by unveiling plans for hydrogen technology integration into airliners by 2035.
Challenges of Sustainable Airlines
Despite both consumers and airlines wanting to be more sustainable, there are many challenges in the way.
One of the biggest is the high cost of SAF, which remains several times more expensive than traditional jet fuel. It impacts airlines' bottom-line, and gets passed down to the consumer making plane tickets more expensive.
Infrastructure for hydrogen or electric aircraft is another barrier, requiring investment in new fuel supply systems and airport facilities to support these technologies. Again, this digs into profits or gets passed to the consumer.
Opportunities for Airlines to be More Sustainable
Legislative changes could accelerate this shift towards sustainability. For instance, mandates for SAF usage or incentives for airlines adopting green technologies might encourage wider adoption.
Consumer behavior also plays a crucial role; as awareness grows, more travelers are willing to pay a premium for eco-friendly travel options or choose airlines based on their environmental commitments.
Additionally, collaborations between airlines, governments, and technology providers could lead to innovations in fuel efficiency and aircraft design, paving the way for a more sustainable air travel industry.
Final Thoughts…
Sustainable airlines are becoming more essential as flying has a major impact on global carbon emissions.
Leaders like KLM, SAS, United, Qantas, Finnair, and Etihad are leading the way with SAF, fleet modernization, and innovative sustainability practices.
Choose airlines committed to environmental responsibility when planning your travel, as your choices can drive the industry towards greater sustainability.
Every eco-friendly flight choice contributes to a larger environmental benefit, ensuring our skies remain clear for future generations.
