Emissions per flight on UK domestic services rise 18% in five years, Cirium reveals
Cirium, the aviation analytics firm, has revealed new data from its state-of-the-art methodology, EmeraldSky, the industry’s most precise independent standard for measuring aircraft emissions and fuel burn.
Data was analysed for flights flown between June-August 2024 and 2019, accounting for each specific aircraft type and their unique design specifications, combined with real-time operational information and flight conditions to ensure unparalleled accuracy.
Analysis of the data reveals that CO2 emissions per flight, in the UK domestic market, have increased by 18% in the past five years, when comparing summer 2024 with summer 2019 – with each flight now emitting more CO2. This analysis is based on the CO2 emissions per flight, in kilograms, for all flights departing and arriving at UK airports.
However, the overall amount of CO2 emissions emitted by domestic flights in the UK, fell 11% in summer 2024 compared to 2019 – in part due to the 25% drop in domestic connections on offer post-pandemic.
Flights between the UK and Japan have also seen emissions rise over the past five years, due to extended flight times caused by the closure of Russian airspace. CO2 emissions per flight between the UK and Japan rose more than 21% in summer 2024, compared to summer 2019, with total emissions on the route now higher than pre-pandemic levels, despite fewer scheduled flights overall.
Flights between China and the UK have seen a more modest 2% rise in emissions per flight, as Asian carriers continue to use fuel-efficient routings over Russia.
In contrast, transatlantic travel between the UK and US has become more efficient over the past five years, due to the retirement of older aircraft, such as the Boeing 747, and introduction of newer generation narrowbody and widebody jets.
Emissions per flight between the UK and US are down 7% in summer 2024, compared to pre-pandemic, with total CO2 emissions also falling despite an overall increase in scheduled flights between the countries.
Cirium’s methodology, EmeraldSky, seamlessly integrates comprehensive data, advanced analytics, and innovative techniques to achieve unmatched precision in measuring both current and forecasted CO2 flight emissions.
Unlike traditional carbon calculators that depend on broad estimates and loose assumptions – such as using pre-planned routes instead of actual flown paths, and ignoring variables like wind speed and direction – EmeraldSky provides emissions results based on the seat in a specific class of service and sets a new standard in aircraft emissions measurement.
Endorsed by airlines and industry stakeholders, EmeraldSky offers users access to both historical data for up to five years and predictive carbon footprint for the upcoming 12 months.
-BreakingTravelNews
