As travel picks up and the aviation industry inches closer to 2050, questions around how to grow and go greener are top of mind. This month, we’ve rounded up 5 compelling reads and podcasts that offer unique perspectives on the intersection of sustainability, equity, and innovation in aviation.
Whether you're in strategy, tech, or comms, these insights offer food for thought, and perhaps fuel for change.
1. Public Opinion Is Clear: Decarbonisation Matters — But Cost Still Counts
Royal Aeronautical Society – Public Attitudes to the Decarbonisation of Aviation
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A recent Ipsos survey of over 2,000 UK adults sheds light on public sentiment around aviation emissions. While 75% of respondents say they’re concerned about climate change, only 38% are willing to pay more for a lower-emissions flight.
Key takeaways:
- Passengers expect sustainability but not at any cost.
- SAF is gaining recognition, but the public struggles to understand how it works or how much it actually helps.
- Trust is high: 80% of people believe manufacturers and regulators can deliver safe, decarbonised technologies.
Why it matters: As airlines invest in more sustainable operations, clear communication and visible action will be key to maintaining passenger trust and support.
2. Inclusive Sustainability: Travel That Works for More Than the Planet
Booking.com 2025 Travel & Sustainability Report
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This year's report dives deep into travellers’ evolving expectations. 53% of global travellers say they now consider whether their trips benefit local communities, not just the environment. People want tourism to be regenerative, not extractive.
Top trends:
- Travellers are willing to adapt: from flying less to staying in eco-certified accommodation.
- Social sustainability is in: economic inclusion and support for local businesses are key motivators.
- Authenticity trumps luxury: travellers want meaningful connections over five-star amenities.
Why it matters: Sustainable travel isn’t just about emissions. Airlines and travel providers who design experiences that support both planet and people will stand out.
3. A Net Zero Airport? Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Airport Thinks Big
AeroTime – How Red Sea International Airport Aims to Lead by Example
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The newly opened Red Sea International Airport in Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as one of the world’s first carbon-neutral hubs. Designed with sustainability at its core, the airport leverages solar power, modular design, and biodiversity preservation.
Highlights include:
- A commitment to running fully on renewable energy.
- Integration with regenerative tourism principles to benefit the local Red Sea community.
- A "zero waste" approach to operations, covering construction, water usage, and airport services.
Why it matters: Airports are crucial nodes in the travel journey. Seeing infrastructure align with Net Zero ambitions gives airlines and passengers the support they need to travel more responsibly.
4. ICAO’s Global Push for Greener Skies
ICAO Explained – Episode 4: Aviation and the Environment
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The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is spearheading efforts to reduce aviation's environmental impact. This episode highlights:
- Long-Term Aspirational Goal (LTAG): Achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
- Advancements in aircraft technology and the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF).
- Implementation of the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).
- Initiatives like the ACT-SAF Programme and State Action Plans to assist member states in transitioning to cleaner energy.
Why it matters: ICAO's leadership provides a unified framework for global aviation stakeholders to collaborate on sustainability goals.
5. Tech’s Role in Sustainable and Inclusive Travel
PhocusWire – Technology's Role in Furthering Sustainable Travel and Economic Inclusion
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Technology, when applied thoughtfully, can transform tourism into a force for good. Key insights include:
- Reducing intermediaries to empower local communities.
- Redistributing tourism demand to prevent over-tourism and promote lesser-known destinations.
- Integrating sustainability into core operations, ensuring that eco-friendly practices are not just add-ons but central to business models.
Why it matters: Embracing technology can lead to a more equitable and resilient global travel landscape, benefiting both the environment and local economies.
Final Boarding Call
From public perceptions and equitable travel to infrastructure leading by example, these reads show just how multi-dimensional sustainable travel has become. It’s no longer just a question of cutting carbon. it’s about reshaping the entire ecosystem of aviation and travel for the better.
Have thoughts or other good reads to share? Email us at reinventdigital@branchspace.com
