Progress in aviation sustainability highlighted in European Aviation Environmental Report

How much has air transport been contributing to greenhouse gas emissions? What can we expect from the coming years? A new report reveals how the aviation industry is working to reduce its impact on the environment and remain on track to meet climate goals. The European Aviation Environmental Report (EAER), produced by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) with support from the European Commission, European Environment Agency (EEA), and EUROCONTROL, looks at the progress made so far and what still needs to be done.

This report demonstrates that in 2023, flights departing from EU27+EFTA airports emitted 133 million tonnes of CO₂, representing 12% of transport GHG emissions and 4% of total EU emissions. While emissions have decreased by 10% since 2019, the industry is working hard to achieve the further reductions essential to align with net-zero targets by 2050.

The report examines how the industry’s work addressing challenges such as reducing aircraft noise and emissions, using cleaner fuels, and making flights more efficient. It also highlights how advances in technology and international cooperation are helping aviation work towards meeting its sustainability targets.

Key findings of the EASA European Aviation Environmental report 2025

The report explains the urgent need to address climate change as climate records continue to be broken globally. Europe is warming faster than any other continent, putting pressure on all economic sectors, including aviation, to meet environmental targets.

In the context of these challenges, the aviation manufacturing sector has demonstrated its commitment to sustainability through:

• the development of more fuel-efficient engines: engine manufacturers are making progress in designing engines that consume less fuel;  
• investment in low-carbon emission aircraft: the industry is actively exploring and investing in alternative aircraft technologies, such as electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft. The Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation (AZEA), comprising industry stakeholders, regulators, and research bodies, is working to overcome barriers to the entry of these aircraft into commercial service. This forward-thinking approach could lead to significant reductions in CO2 emissions in the future, particularly for short and medium-haul flights.
• continuous improvement in aircraft noise reduction: the report acknowledges the ongoing efforts by manufacturers to reduce noise pollution. New aircraft models have noise levels that are significantly lower than the limits set by international standards. This work on noise reduction is contributing to mitigating the impact of aviation on the health and quality of life of citizens.
• sustainable aviation fuel (SAF): SAF will be a key driver of decarbonisation, with the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation mandating 70% SAF usage by 2050, starting with 2% in 2025. However, current SAF production remains at just 0.53% of global jet fuel use, making scaling up production a critical industry challenge.

The report notes that these innovations play a crucial role in the efforts to achieve sustainable aviation; and also stresses the need for continued collaboration between governments, industry players, and civil society to accelerate the implementation of these technologies. Honest and transparent communication is, the report notes, also vital in maintaining public trust in the aviation industry's commitment to environmental responsibility, as it continues its vital role in connecting people and economies.