Challenges confronts Boeing, Airbus in achieving aviation's carbon neutrality goals by 2050
Date
7/22/2024 5:35:47 AM
(MENAFN) The Aviation industry's ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 is being undermined by significant challenges faced by major aircraft manufacturers Boeing and Airbus. Both companies are struggling to meet the soaring demand for the latest aircraft models and to invest in the large-scale production of sustainable aviation fuel, which is crucial for reducing the sector's carbon footprint. Currently responsible for approximately 2.5 to 3 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions, the aviation sector is under pressure from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a United Nations agency, to become carbon neutral by mid-century.
Recent reports highlight that new aircraft models, such as the Airbus A320neo, Boeing 737 Max, A330neo, A350, and B787, offer up to 30 percent greater fuel efficiency compared to older models, thereby emitting less CO2. However, despite these advancements, a significant challenge remains. Approximately 70 percent of the global fleet is composed of older generation aircraft, which not only need to be replaced but also need to be accounted for in the context of future growth. This situation exacerbates the difficulties in reaching the sector's carbon neutrality targets.
Airbus, in particular, faces obstacles in scaling up production to meet future demand. The company, which had to reduce its production to 40 A320 aircraft per month during the pandemic, has managed to increase its output to just under 44 per month since the beginning of this year. Airbus plans to ramp up production to 75 A320s per month by 2027. However, this target has been delayed by a year due to ongoing difficulties with its suppliers, which hampers the company's ability to meet both replacement needs and accommodate expected fleet growth.
As the global fleet is projected to double over the next 20 years, with an estimated need for 42,430 new aircraft by 2043, including 18,460 to replace older models, the industry faces a critical juncture. Meeting these targets while simultaneously investing in sustainable fuel production and overcoming production challenges is essential for the aviation sector to fulfill its commitment to carbon neutrality.
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