What is the carbon footprint of a plane flight?
The carbon footprint of a flight depends on the distance, the type of aircraft and the number of passengers. On average, a flight emits several hundred kilos of CO₂ per passenger for a short to medium distance journey. Long flights and higher classes increase this footprint due to fuel consumption and the space required.
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What is the carbon footprint of a flight?
The carbon footprint of a flight is the amount of CO₂ emitted into the atmosphere during an air journey. It represents the environmental impact of fuel combustion and other processes, and is measured in kilograms or tons of CO₂ per passenger. On average, a flight emits between 90 and 250 grams of CO₂ per passenger-kilometer.
How is the carbon footprint of a flight calculated?
The carbon footprint of a flight is calculated by taking into account several elements:
the fuel consumption of the aircraft,
the number of passengers,
the flight class (economy, business, first). The flight class influences the emissions per passenger, as larger seats take up more space and increase fuel consumption per person.
The amount of emissions is then measured in kilograms of CO₂ per passenger. This figure is obtained by dividing the total emissions of the flight by the number of passengers, depending on their class. The aim is to provide an individual estimate of the environmental impact for each air journey.
Factors increasing the carbon footprint of a flight
Several factors influence the carbon footprint of a flight:
Distance and duration: Long flights emit more CO₂ due to increased fuel consumption over longer distances. However, short flights generate more emissions per kilometre flown due to take-off and landing.
Travel class: Business or first class passengers take up more space, increasing emissions per person compared to economy class.
Aircraft type and age: Modern aircraft are often more fuel efficient, while older models consume more fuel, increasing the overall carbon footprint.
Comparison of emissions between air travel and other means of transport
CO₂ emissions vary greatly depending on the means of transport chosen:
- Flight vs. train: For short journeys, trains often emit up to ten times less CO₂ than flights due to their energy efficiency and use of electricity.
- Flight vs. car: For short distances, cars are sometimes less polluting than flights, but for long journeys, carpooling can reduce the environmental impact.
Therefore, choosing trains or carpooling is recommended for more environmentally friendly travel. Opting for direct journeys and limiting flights also helps to limit emissions.
Tools to calculate the carbon footprint of your flight
There are several online calculators, such as Atmosfair and MyClimate, which allow you to know the carbon footprint of your flight. These tools use data such as distance, aircraft type, number of stops and travel class to estimate CO₂ emissions per passenger. To get an accurate estimate, simply enter the flight information and the airline. These calculators provide a reliable estimate of your environmental impact.
Your free carbon footprint awaits!
Register to your free trial, answer 20 questions, and receive your carbon footprint.
What solutions to reduce the carbon footprint of your flight?
To reduce the carbon footprint of your flights, several solutions are possible:
Choose eco-responsible airlines: favor those with emission reduction policies.
Opt for direct flights: avoiding stopovers reduces fuel consumption and emissions.
Travel in economy class: this class optimizes space per passenger, thus reducing emissions per person.
Limit air travel: favor alternatives such as the train for short distances.
Carbon offsetting alternatives for air travel
Carbon offsetting alternatives for air travel help to offset the emissions generated. These alternatives correspond to purchasing carbon credits and financing reforestation projects. These offsetting programs work by investing in initiatives that reduce or capture CO₂, such as planting trees or developing renewable energies. While these solutions help mitigate the impact of flights, they do not eliminate emissions at source. It is therefore essential to combine offsetting with travel reduction efforts for a more sustainable approach.
The role of new technologies in aviation
New technologies play a key role in a sustainable future in aviation. Biofuels and synthetic fuels, still in development, aim to replace kerosene to reduce emissions. In parallel, electric and hydrogen aircraft offer promising prospects. Public policies, particularly through regulations, also reinforce these advances. By supporting these innovations and setting strict standards, governments encourage more environmentally friendly aviation.
