Aviation sector needs to align economic goals with environmental responsibilities: Experts
As the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events increase, disruption to flights is expected to rise.

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With increased weather volatility as a result of climate change expected to have a growing impact on aviation, governments and industry players are taking steps to decarbonise and meet environmental targets.
Aviation accounted for about 2 per cent of global emissions last year, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). The sector has grown faster in recent decades compared to other modes of transport, and carbon emissions from commercial aircraft are expected to triple by 2050.
To slow down its impact on the environment, the industry is ramping up the production and use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), advancing aircraft technologies and restructuring operations.
At last month’s United Nations-led aviation meeting, countries agreed to reduce aircraft emissions by 5 per cent by the end of the decade through the use of cleaner energies.
As delegates from across the world convene in Dubai this week for the COP28 climate talks, European leaders are also expected to lobby for a tax on aviation fuel.
TURBULENCE AHEAD
As the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events increase, disruption to flights is expected to rise.
Excessive cold causes jet fuel to thicken and could result in congealing within the engine. On the other end of the thermometer, extreme heat can also ground planes as aircraft get 1 per cent less lift with every 3 degrees Celsius of temperature rise.
In the air, instances of clear-air turbulence (CAT) – sudden severe turbulence that happens when the skies are clear – have become more frequent.
It is caused by patches of air swirling within the world's jet streams – strong air currents that circle the globe from west to east.
This phenomenon was 55 per cent more frequent in 2020 than in 1979, and studies said it is going to go up even further because of changes in wind speed due to warmer air.
Currently, an eight-hour transatlantic flight experiences an average of 10 minutes of turbulence. In a few decades, this is expected to triple to 30 minutes, and the turbulence will also get stronger.
CAT costs the aviation industry about US$200 million annually in the United States alone, as more air-frame maintenance is needed with extra wear and tear.
IMPROVED TECHNOLOGY
Observers said aircraft makers and operators have in recent years made significant advancements in technology to better manage changing weather patterns.
For instance, new systems that can measure the force of turbulent air outside the plane have been developed to address turbulence, said Associate Professor Lee Poh Seng, the executive director of National University of Singapore’s (NUS) Energy Studies Institute.
“This technology allows pilots real time information on turbulence, enabling them to make quicker and more informed decisions during flights,” he said.
On the design front, aircraft are being reimagined to better endure turbulence. These changes aim to enhance passenger safety and reduce the frequency and costs of aircraft maintenance.
Air traffic management systems that can better predict weather scenarios for both aircraft and airports are also constantly improved.
“We can't avoid (extreme weather events), but managing it in terms of the time of departure or arrival, or changing the flight path could be looked at while addressing these impact from climate change,” said aviation expert Shantanu Gangakhedkar, a senior consultant at growth advisory firm Frost and Sullivan.
GREEN TRANSITION
In the fight against climate change, the industry is exploring innovative solutions such as electric and hydrogen powered aircraft.
Aerospace giant Airbus is developing potential zero-emissions commercial aircraft with a fuel-cell engine powered by hydrogen.
One of the most viable options today is sustainable aviation fuel as it is compatible with current aircraft models. The cleaner fuel is expected to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emission from aircraft.
However, it is two to four times more expensive than conventional jet fuel, and the cost will inadvertently be passed on to passengers.
With the industry’s green transition, flight ticket prices are expected to increase as much as 22 per cent by 2050.
Currently, such fuel makes up only about 0.1 per cent of total jet fuel used, but many airlines are looking to increase their usage to 10 per cent by 2030.
Prof Lee told CNA’s Singapore Tonight that while transition to green fuel will involve higher initial costs, it has to be weighed against long-term benefits of environmental sustainability.
As production technology advances, the costs of such fuel are also expected to decline, making them more economically viable.
“The future success of SAF depends on the collective efforts of the aviation industry today. This includes collaboration among airlines, aircraft manufacturers, fuel producers and regulators,” he said.
“Together they need to work on increasing both the supply and demand for SAF, aligning the industry’s economic goals with environmental responsibilities.”