Aircraft delivery delays hamper aviation industry's efforts to curb emissions
Date
7/23/2024 4:58:59 AM
(MENAFN) The delays in aircraft deliveries from both Airbus and Boeing are compelling airlines to continue operating older, less fuel-efficient planes, thereby hindering the Aviation industry's progress in reducing carbon emissions. Improving the fuel efficiency of new aircraft is a crucial strategy for the aviation sector, which aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. However, more than two years after the resumption of air travel post-COVID-19 pandemic, disruptions in supply chains and labor shortages are still impeding aircraft production.
As Airbus and Boeing prepare to announce new airline orders at the Farnborough Airshow this week, there is growing concern that the disparity between supply and demand will delay the industry's emission reduction efforts until at least the end of the decade. Rob Morris, head of consultancy at Cerim, highlighted that the cumulative shortfall in deliveries is expected to persist until at least 2028. Consequently, airlines will have to extend the service life of older and mid-life aircraft, delaying the deployment of newer, more efficient models.
The aviation industry, which contributes approximately 2 percent of global energy-related emissions, saw air traffic nearly return to pre-pandemic levels by the end of last year. Despite this, the industry remains confident in its ability to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 while continuing to grow. Several measures have been implemented to reduce net emissions, including the adoption of sustainable aviation fuels, the introduction of new aircraft, and carbon offset programs.
According to the European roadmap for carbon neutrality in aviation, new aircraft running on conventional fuel are expected to account for nearly one-fifth of the sector’s emissions reductions by 2050. Aircraft equipped with next-generation engines, such as the A320neo family, consume about 15 percent less fuel and emit approximately 15 percent less carbon compared to their predecessors.
Despite the significant delays in new aircraft deliveries, airlines' expansion plans remain steady and unchanged, noted Nikhil Sachdeva, global head of sustainable aviation at Roland Berger Consulting. However, airlines are facing the dual challenges of delayed aircraft retirements and legacy lease models as they strive to meet their growth commitments and sustainability targets.
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