In recent years, the aerospace sector has managed to reduce its carbon footprint far more on its own than through any external measures that have been imposed upon it.
The decarbonisation of aviation It is an objective assumed by the entire aeronautical sector and affects all its facets. From the advancement towards more efficient designs of airport infrastructures, procedures and services, to the optimisation of aircraft and engine design, through more effective management of air routes, everything contributes to achieving that objective.
However, we must be aware that it concerns A global and complex challenge, with many economic and social implications, which is why we cannot approach it with simple, local, or merely political/ideological solutions.
In this regard, one of the initiatives that have been put forward recently relates to Cancellation or reduction of short-haul flights. This is a showy measure, but more symbolic than effective. If analysed with any rigour, it shows many shortcomings and, above all, does not resolve the underlying problem.
The pioneer country to take such measures was France. In the context of the 2021 Climate Law, provisions were included to discourage short-haul flights in favour of more sustainable alternatives such as rail. One of the key measures was a ban on domestic flights where there is a train alternative of less than 2.5 hours. However, the law provides for exemptions for flights connecting to international airports or in cases of «connecting territories». Although France is a country with a very complete and well-structured transport infrastructure, the reality is that this measure only affected three routes, accounting for 2.5% of domestic flights, and representing 3% of passengers. In terms of carbon emissions, the reduction was negligible (0.9%). In fact, this figure is far below what the aviation industry itself manages to reduce annually through innovation, development and best practice.
Following this, other countries have made similar proposals, including Sweden, Austria, Canada and New Zealand. The progress of the measure has been uneven in all of them.
When approaching these types of initiatives, it's important to bear in mind that short-haul flights tienen efectos económicos y sociales positivos in the regions they serve, which also needs to be considered:
Positive impact on tourismShort-haul flights facilitate tourism by making it easier and quicker for people to travel to a particular region. This directly impacts the economy linked to accommodation, catering, recreational activities, and local commerce.
More equitable business connectivityThis type of flight facilitates business travel and corporate cooperation, allowing people to move quickly between cities and regions. This leads to investment, trade, and collaboration between companies across the territory, which are essential factors for driving economic growth and job creation.
Niche economyAirports serving short-haul flights are, in themselves, centres of economic activity, regional development, and job creation in services associated with aviation.
Effective access to global marketsShort-haul flights improve local businesses' access and competitiveness in a wider market by facilitating mobility, freight transport, and participation in international trade events.
Similarly, the elimination or reduction of short-haul flights can involve costs (economic, labour, social, etc.) that are almost never mentioned. Let's talk about some of them:
Airlines, for example, can incur direct costs due to direct loss of income for the reduction or elimination of short-haul flights. Furthermore, they should reorganise their structures and fleets to adapt to new routes and regulations and policies that discourage short-haul flights. This could mean a direct increase in ticket prices for the citizen..
To have a real alternative to short-haul flights may require investment in infrastructure projects rail or other alternative modes of transport to ensure viable and attractive options for passengers. Let's not lose sight that all of this also entails other impacts.
The reduction of short-haul flights can also have a negative impact on tourism and the local economy of the affected regions, especially if those flights are a significant part of the region's air connectivity or if they rely heavily on domestic tourism.
Reducing short-haul flights could also affecting aviation sector employees, direct and indirect, which could require workforce retraining programmes or support measures for those who lose their jobs as a result of reduced activity.
Ultimately, it must be assumed that while reducing short-haul flights may have some long-term environmental and economic benefits, it could also involve significant impacts and costs, both for airlines and for the regions affected.
The reality is that the aviation sector has already been going for many years working for himself to achieve the Net-zero target by 2050. Reducing carbon emissions in aviation is a complex challenge that requires multifaceted and collaborative approaches, going far beyond showy but inefficient measures.
In fact, with the goal of decarbonisation, significant progress has already been made in some key areas of the sector:
A significant investment in research and development of more efficient and cleaner technologies For aircraft, a significant reduction in carbon emissions has already been achieved. This includes the development of lighter aircraft, with more advanced aerodynamics and powered by more efficient engines.
The Optimisation of routes and operations it is another interesting avenue. Improving airline operational efficiency reduces fuel consumption and, therefore, carbon emissions. This can be achieved through route optimisation, the use of more advanced navigation technologies, efficient air traffic management, and the implementation of more sustainable operational practices.
The sustainable aviation fuels, produced from renewable sources such as agricultural crops, organic waste, or algae, significantly reduces carbon emissions compared to fossil fuels.
One must not forget to mention the Modernisation of airport infrastructure, including the implementation of renewable energy systems, the optimisation of fleet management, and the improvement of energy efficiency in buildings and equipment.
The implementation of carbon taxes, emissions regulations and other economic mechanisms are further helping to incentivise airlines to reduce their carbon emissions and adopt more sustainable practices. We're talking about setting emissions caps, establishing fuel efficiency standards, or promoting investment in clean technologies.
Finally, we must not forget to mention the need to address clear criteria for intermodal transport planning that include the promotion of sustainable alternatives.
In summary, reducing carbon emissions in aviation requires a combination of technological, operational, regulatory, and policy approaches that address both aircraft emissions and the infrastructure and operations associated with the aviation industry.
Reduce or eliminate short-haul flights it is a measure that has already been surpassed by the sector's own actions and which, moreover, involves certain tolls that it is necessary to know. And it's possible that not many citizens will be willing to accept them if their real meaning is explained.
