According to IATA, global air passenger demand reached record high in 2024 with a total full-year traffic rising by 10.4% compared to 2023 – or 3.8% above pre-pandemic (2019) levels. As the industry welcomes this positive dynamic, we also need to ask ourselves how we will balance this growth with our short- and long-term sustainable goals. In 2021, the World Economic Form warned the world that although aviation represents around 2-3% of global CO2 emissions today, this number could rise to 22% by 2050 as more people are able to fly and other industries decarbonize quicker and more efficiently. Aviation therefore needs to come up with more sustainable alternative business models to keep operating and growing while minimising its impact on the Planet. In the words of Shashank Nigam, CEO of SimpliFlying, the industry will “need refreshed models that can share with everyone the magic of flying”. In this context, we have looked at how airlines are incorporating alternative models such as Circular Economy principles into their operations and sustainability plans. We have reviewed the ESG reports and announcements published by various airlines across the globe and have found that airlines are taking a variety of actions to implement Circular Economy concepts, focusing on reducing waste, increasing recycling, reusing materials, and replacing single-use items with more sustainable alternatives.
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