Pakistan's aviation industry can benefit from sustainable practices
The aviation industry is among the
least sustainable sectors globally, responsible for 2.5% of total CO₂ emissions
and contributing around 4% to global warming. With air travel demand expected
to surge, the European Commission warns that greenhouse gas emissions from
aviation could increase by 300% if drastic measures aren’t implemented.
Pakistan, with its growing population and rising air travel demands, faces this
same challenge. As it seeks to modernize its aviation infrastructure, a
pressing question arises: how can Pakistan promote sustainable aviation,
especially as one of the top five countries most vulnerable to climate change?
Sustainable aviation refers to
initiatives that reduce the industry’s carbon footprint through eco-friendly
technologies and emissions reduction. Pakistan has acknowledged the importance
of this shift, as reflected in its 2021 National Climate Change Policy (NCCP),
which includes reducing aviation emissions as a key goal in meeting climate
mitigation targets. Several steps have already been taken in this regard,
marking progress toward a greener aviation future.
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All major airports in Pakistan have
earned ISO-14001 certification, setting international standards for environmental
management. Additionally, Air Blue, one of Pakistan's leading airlines, has
incorporated fuel-efficient aircraft like the A321neo into its fleet, reducing
fuel consumption by 20% compared to older models.
While these achievements are
commendable, they are just a starting point. A broader industry-wide commitment
to sustainability is necessary. Fleet modernization across all airlines, or at
least the majority, should be prioritized. Fuel-efficient aircraft, like the
A321neo, must become the norm, despite the significant financial investment
required. For example, a single A321neo costs approximately $110 million, which
poses a financial hurdle for many airlines. This is where government support
becomes crucial.
The government can facilitate fleet
upgrades by offering financial incentives, such as low-interest loans,
subsidies, or tax breaks. A similar approach has been successful in Brazil,
where the government has provided $900 million in low-interest loans to support
airline modernization. Pakistan could adopt a comparable strategy.
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Such initiatives would not only
promote sustainability but also offer economic advantages by reducing reliance
on expensive fuel imports. Airlines would benefit from lower operational costs,
as fuel typically accounts for up to 30% of their expenditures. For example,
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) spends nearly $350 million annually on
fuel. A 15% reduction in fuel consumption could save the airline over $50
million per year, helping to offset the cost of new aircraft.
Another key avenue for sustainable
aviation in Pakistan is the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
Currently, no Pakistani airline uses SAF, despite its potential to reduce CO₂
emissions by up to 80% over its lifecycle compared to conventional jet fuel.
The main barrier to SAF adoption is its cost—approximately $2,400 per ton,
twice the price of regular jet fuel in 2022. However, as SAF production
expands, its price is expected to decrease, making it more accessible.
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In conclusion, the path to a
sustainable aviation future for Pakistan requires collective action across the
industry. Although financial challenges are significant, they are not
insurmountable. The question now is whether Pakistan will take the necessary
steps to address these challenges and pursue a sustainable aviation future, or
whether it will risk falling behind as the environmental costs of inaction
mount.
Source: Minute
Mirror