On July 18th 2025, carbon emissions in civil aviation broke records, exceeding the pre-pandemic peak set on 2nd August 2019. But this is good news – the increase was marginal, despite a 3.7% increase in the number of flights and the use of older, less efficient aircraft. In fact, the improvement in fuel efficiency per available seat kilometer was 7.4% higher than on the date of the 2019 record.
More broadly, how is the industry moving towards its long-term sustainability objectives? Is the goal of net zero by 2050 feasible? What key milestones has 2025 brought so far? In this article, we answer these questions and explore a range of ongoing developments.
Aviation Industry Sustainability Commitments
The IATA Annual Review 2025 reiterates the sector’s commitment to achieving net zero by 2050. In October 2024, the organization conducted a poll – involving 6,500 respondents across 15 markets – which revealed a positive sentiment about sustainability in aviation:
- 76% of respondents believed the sector is proactive on climate change mitigation.
- 81% said the sector is committed to fulfilling its sustainability goals.
- 77% believe aviation leaders are taking climate change seriously.
- And 72% understand how the sector will tackle the challenges involved.
What about IATA itself? The organization confirmed in the report that they consider the goal to be within reach – even at a cost of $4.7 trillion (the transition to SAF accounting for up to $744 billion). They also estimated that in 2025, European airlines will pay an extra $2.9 billion toward SAF itself and the associated compliance costs, compared to buying traditional jet fuel.
IATA emphasized that in order to achieve net zero, stronger collaboration on financing is needed from all stakeholders (policymakers in particular). Toward the end of 2024, they released updated roadmaps on finance and policy which contained expanded analyses of the pathway to achieving net zero.
2025 Progress in Aviation Sustainability
Sustainable Aviation Fuels
In 2021, the aviation sector committed to gradually switch to SAF. IATA reported that global SAF production would double in 2025 to about 2 million tons, reaching roughly 0.7% of airlines’ total fuel consumption (compared to 1 million tons in 2024).
New policies have also been driving change. In Europe, the EU’s new ReFuelEU Aviation law took effect, requiring a minimum 2% SAF blend in jet fuel. The UK introduced similar SAF blending mandates. Alongside incentives in the US and elsewhere, these mandates sent a strong signal to scale up production.
The SAF Registry
A key milestone this year was the launch of the SAF Registry, which took place on April 3rd. Devised by IATA and managed by the Civil Aviation Decarbonization Organization (CADO) and other bodies, the registry will record SAF transactions and help connect airlines with SAF producers and suppliers.
Net Zero Tracking
IATA has released new tools to improve progress reporting. Their net-zero tracking tool is now used by around 40 airlines and provides standardized reports, benchmark reports, and rankings. This year, they improved their CO2 Connect tool; the SAF Accounting and Reporting Methodology now accounts for CO2 emissions reductions related to the use of SAF.
An EU mandate was implemented in January 2025 which requires airlines to report non-CO2 emissions, but IATA doesn’t agree with the mandate, citing a lack of scientific consensus on the ability to forecast persistent contrails.
Sustainability in Airports
Airports around the world are making their operations more efficient. Here are some examples.
Munich Airport Electric Bus Depot
As reported by inter airport Europe, Munich Airport has taken a big step towards its Net Zero 2035 carbon neutrality goal by opening a new electric bus depot. Initially, the facility had 37 charging stations for electric passenger buses. 13 more stations were due to be completed this summer, and the next stage of expansion will involve 22 stations equipped with photovoltaic carports, due for completion within two years.
Through its ground handling subsidiary AeroGround, Munich Airport operates 37 zero-emission buses for apron passenger services at-present, aiming to increase the fleet to 72 vehicles. In addition to buses, AeroGround added 173 other zero-emission ground support vehicles in 2024, contributing to a substantial annual reduction of over 2,000 tons of CO₂ emissions, expected to grow to more than 4,000 tons following the transition completion.
Autonomous Vehicles at East Midlands Airport
Aurrigo International, a UK-based autonomous technology firm, announced in August that it received GBP 700,000 to expand its Ramp Ready autonomous vehicle project at East Midlands Airport. Over nine months, two Auto-Cargo electric autonomous cargo vehicles and one eight-passenger Auto-Shuttle will be deployed.
Fleet Modernization and Electrification
In recent years, aerospace technology has progressed significantly. As reported by the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), modern jets are now over 80% more fuel-efficient per seat-kilometer than the first generation of jets in the 1950s. Combined with other technological advances, better operations, and infrastructure improvements, these newer engines have already prevented more than 14.6 billion tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere since 1990.
ATAG reports that the global airline industry has a backlog of about 15,700 new aircraft on order for delivery over the next 10 years, a massive investment that will steadily improve efficiency.
Recent Re-Fleeting News
Airlines around the world have continued to modernize their fleets this year, including Air Hong Kong which has now completed its seven-year re-fleeting program, retiring its A300-600F aircraft and switching to Airbus A330 freighters instead. Meanwhile, at the Paris Air Show 2025, LOT Polish Airlines placed an order for 20 A220-100s and 20 A220-300s.
Developments in Electric and Hydrogen Aircraft
As stated by ATAG, the total R&D spending in civil aerospace – specifically focused on efficiency – is around $15 billion per year.
Eviation, known for its all-electric commuter plane ‘Alice’, continued active flight tests in 2025. The company aims to enable emissions-free short regional flights. Other startups, especially in Scandinavia and the Netherlands, have also completed test flights with battery-electric aircraft, some achieving battery-powered ranges of 200+ km and demonstrating 20-40 minute recharging using standard electric vehicle chargers.
Airbus announced a major change in its ZEROe project. After years developing both hydrogen combustion and hydrogen fuel cell propulsion, it decided that hydrogen fuel cell technology would be the core propulsion method for its future aircraft, with a new focus on fully electric, hydrogen-powered designs using four electric propellers. Initially, the new aircraft were expected to be in service by 2035 but in February, Airbus announced that the program is delayed by 5-10 years.
The Role of Aviation Management Software in Sustainability
Sustainability is also driven by modern software, which enables more streamlined processes. Consider turnaround management software which gives managers absolute visibility of turnaround activities. Proven to reduce turnaround times, these solutions reduce the time an aircraft needs to run its onboard auxiliary power unit (APU) at the gate, reducing fuel costs and emissions.
Other tools contribute to reducing TAT, such as advanced baggage reconciliation systems and weight and balance software. Together, these innovations ensure that aircraft needn’t be at the gate any longer than necessary.
Conclusion
In 2025, the aviation sector witnessed continued progress toward its sustainability goals. Despite growing demand, fuel efficiency has improved and SAF production continues to scale up, driven by new regulations. IATA has also released new tools to assist with sustainability reporting.
Airports are increasing their electrification efforts, and new innovations such as electric aircraft for short-haul flights are edging their way towards delivery. Meanwhile, airlines across the world are gradually replacing their fleets with newer, more efficient aircraft.
What will the rest of 2026 have in store? How much more SAF will be used? How much will airports reduce their emissions? Will international collaboration improve enough to solve the financial challenges? Time will tell.
Zafire provides leading aviation software for turnaround management, baggage handling, load management – and much more. To learn more about our solutions or request a demo, contact us today.
