Aircraft engines emit carbon that is comparable to those produced by burning fossil fuels. However, the fact that a sizable amount of emissions from airplanes occur at high altitude makes them unique. The worldwide impact of these pollutants and their negative effects on local air quality raise serious concerns about environmental issues.
The fastest-growing source of greenhouse gas emissions contributing to climate change is aviation. Indeed, if the aviation industry as a whole were a nation, it would rank among the top 10 carbon-polluting countries worldwide. Currently, the most carbon-intensive activity a person can engage in is flying.
For instance, a traveler flying from one location to another and returning to his or her home emits more than the average person living on land does for a year. As a result, the global aviation industry is focusing on a sustainable flight path as the negative effects of climate change worsen.
According to Sebastin D. Eastham et al. (2024), an academic publication titled “Global impacts of aviation on air quality evaluated at high resolution,” if aviation emissions are not addressed, large storm clouds are projected in the future. In 2010, the aviation industry transported 2.4 billion people; within the following 15 years, that figure is expected to climb to 8.2 billion. Without intervention, emissions from increased air travel might quadruple compared to pre-COVID levels by 2050. However, with bold action, it is possible to build a greener, more sustainable aviation industry that helps to address the climate issue.
Given the emissions from airplane engines, noise pollution, and the effects of airport operations, it is clear that the aviation sector contributes to environmental contamination. Greenhouse Gases (GHGs): Aircraft contribute to climate change by releasing water vapor, carbon dioxide (CO2), and other greenhouse gases. At high altitudes, nitrogen oxides (NOx) can cause the production of ozone, a powerful greenhouse gas. Moreover, aircraft engines release particulate matter that can affect air quality and human health.
In light of the aforementioned reality, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) pledged in 2016 to maintain carbon emissions at 2010 levels starting in 2020 and to increase aviation fuel efficiency by 2% annually. Several measures were identified to accomplish these objectives. Thus, the development and implementation of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), enhanced air traffic management (ATM), more fuel-efficient aircraft technology, and market-based policies like carbon offsetting, taxes, and emission trading.
The Carbon Offsetting and Reduction plan for International Aviation (CORSIA) is a carbon offset and reduction plan that aims to reduce CO2 emissions from international flights and mitigate aviation’s influence on climate change. CORSIA employs market-based environmental policy instruments to reduce CO2 emissions, requiring aircraft operators to purchase carbon credits from the carbon market. It was designed by the International Civil Aviation Organization and adopted in October 2016. Its goal is to achieve carbon-neutral growth by 2020. Beginning in 2021, the system is voluntary for all countries until 2027, when it will become mandatory.
Given the extensive service Ethiopian Airlines offers, it is crucial to ask about the steps the airline is taking to combat climate change. Another issue that requires consideration is what challenges Ethiopian Airlines faces in addressing climate change.
Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew told The Ethiopian Herald that the airline, as one of Africa’s largest and most prominent carriers, recognizes the importance of addressing climate change and has implemented various mitigation measures to reduce its environmental impact.
According to him, “protecting the environment and combating climate change is first and foremost a societal responsibility for Ethiopian Airlines. It also follows the rules and regulations that have been enacted in this regard. These are significant steps toward achieving zero emissions from airplanes by 2050.”
He emphasized that several approaches to environmental protection can help mitigate climate change. The primary and most crucial method is to use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Although Ethiopian Airlines is ready to use this kind of fuel, the airline faces a major challenge because no corporation or firm produces it in Ethiopia. Besides, SAF is not even available in many African countries.
He claimed that, however, SAF is produced in Europe, but it is not produced in sufficient quantities. Hence, Ethiopian Airlines now utilizes a two percent SAF-blended fuel. As a result, the airline is looking for institutions or companies in Ethiopia that can produce SAFs. Using SAF is essential for reducing carbon emissions by up to 70 percent.
Another step Ethiopian Airlines is taking to reduce carbon emissions is to use aircraft with efficient engines that emit low amounts. The airline has also been working on modernizing its fleet. It has invested in modern, fuel-efficient airplanes. The advent of newer models, such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350, contributes to lower fuel consumption and emissions compared to earlier aircraft. The airline is also exploring the use of SAF, which have the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions when compared to traditional fossil fuels. Ethiopian Airlines has taken part in discussions and initiatives to increase the availability and use of SAF in Africa. It regards this as a significant social responsibility.
The Green Legacy Initiative is another significant aspect of Ethiopian Airlines’ efforts to combat climate change. The initiative aims to increase the country’s green cover and lessen the effects of climate change by concentrating on extensive tree planting and environmental conservation tasks. Accordingly, the airline, by taking part in the initiative, shows its dedication to environmental conservation. It also discharges its obligation by planting trees that support Ethiopia’s fight against climate change and the advancement of a more environmentally friendly future.
Overall, the airline has implemented a variety of operational initiatives to improve efficiency, such as optimizing flight routes, lowering aircraft weight, and improving ground operations to reduce fuel usage. More importantly, it also participates green legacy initiative that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and increases reforestation and renewable energy initiatives.
Furthermore, Ethiopian Airlines promotes global connectivity while working to reduce environmental impact through technological advancements, regulatory frameworks, operational improvements, and public awareness. It hopes that these measures would help to mitigate global climate change while also providing important air transport services throughout Africa and beyond. The airline’s commitment to sustainability reflects the aviation industry’s growing recognition of the importance of proactively addressing environmental challenges.
BY EPHREM ANDARGACHEW
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 23 JULY 2025
