
The global aviation industry is responsible for 12% of carbon emissions from all transports sources and around 2% of all human produce carbon dioxide emissions. Aviation’s share of greenhouse gas emissions will likely grow in the coming years as air travel increases.
L’ascesa dell’energia sostenibile nei viaggi aerei
Se a ciò si aggiunge il fatto che i costi del carburante stanno aumentando vertiginosamente, le compagnie aeree sono ancora più motivate a considerare i biocarburanti per alimentare i loro aerei. Produttori di aeromobili, scienziati e accademici si sono uniti in associazioni come il Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group e l’Algal Biomass Organization per sviluppare l’uso di biocarburanti sostenibili per l’aviazione.
Ridurre l’impronta ambientale
Biofuels represent the most viable means to cut carbon emissions for airlines and remain the key building block in the airline industry’s goal of carbon-neutral growth. There has been much development in designs and material to improve fuel efficiency and other alternative energy sources like solar power remain in initial stages. Biofuels would not require modifications to commercial airplanes; they would just replace the current Jet-A fuel.
Some airlines like KLM, Finnair, and Continental Airlines have used biofuels on commercial flights shortly after international aviation regulators approved the use of biofuels in 2011. Other airlines around the world may likely follow suit.
Sfide strategiche
Nonostante la volontà delle principali compagnie aeree e dei produttori di utilizzare i biocarburanti, i fattori più proibitivi che ne impediscono un utilizzo diffuso sono la disponibilità e il costo dei biocarburanti. Attualmente, i biocarburanti per gli aerei costano ancora da tre a cinque volte di più del carburante per aerei, ha affermato l’Air Transport Action Group. Dal punto di vista commerciale, l’industria dei biocarburanti è ancora agli inizi e i produttori potrebbero non essere in grado di far fronte all’aumento della domanda.
Neste Oil the supplier of Lufthansa’s biofuel during its six-month test flights, could not produce the airlines required amount. Aviation officials urged government during the July 2012 Farnborough Airshow to help implement policies to create a flourishing market in sustainable market in biofuels similar to initiatives that helped alternative fuels in road transport.
I biocarburanti possono anche presentare svantaggi ecologici. La richiesta di terra per coltivare colture per biocarburanti ha esercitato ulteriore pressione sull’agricoltura nelle nazioni povere e potrebbe spostare gli habitat naturali esistenti. Sono state sollevate preoccupazioni anche riguardo alle ulteriori emissioni di carbonio derivanti dall’incendio di foreste e praterie per coltivare colture energetiche.
Opportunità
There have also been concerns that using crops like sugar cane and corn to create biofuels could push food prices higher following the poor harvest in growing regions. To counter that assertion, airlines may have to look at second-generation fuels using non-food crops like camelina and jatropha. The industry is also investigating ways to develop aviation fuel from municipal waste, of which lack of supply may not be a problem as the megacities around the world can produce millions of tons of organic waste to convert into biofuels.
The aviation industry is increasingly seeing potential in biofuels but the widespread adoption of biofuels still faces many challenges, more testing, and government support before jet fuel consumption can be reduced.
Informazioni sulla ricerca di mercato sulla sostenibilità delle compagnie aeree
Sustainability can also be a way to boost brand value and brand loyalty. Market Research can identify opportunities, customer insights and trends. Qualitative Research uncovers customer preferences, behavior, and attitudes. Quantitative Research provides data and measures the extent of certain phenomena. Strategy Research uncovers competitive insights and unmet market needs.