As 2021 draws to close, despite the spread of the Omicron Coronavirus variant, we find ourselves, finally, with an end in sight to the global pandemic that has ravaged lives and livelihoods for the last years. With available and effective vaccines, combined with mutations becoming transmissble but less dangerous, we can look forward to a return to a semblance of normal. COVID will shift from pandemic to endemic - this is inevitable.
For our EnviroBlog.Net community this will entail a much-missed return to travel, visiting family and exploring destinations both near and far. Indeed, air travel is expected to bounce back to pre-pandemic with strong long-term growth prospects.
We mustn't forget, however, that commercial flight accounts for around 5% of global carbon emissions. Certainly not a trivial proportion.
It has been heartening to learn of concerted efforts by major players in aviation to reach net zero. Rolls Royce, one of the three major jet engine manufacturers has announced plans for 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) certifiation for new generation engines by 2023.
In October, a 747 test flight with Trent engines operated succesfully for 4 hours on a 100% sustainable blend:
GE Aviation is also set to undertake 100% SAF test flights next year:
With commercial incentives and consumer preferences aligned to a sustainable flying future, the sky is the limit.
See you out there in 2022.
🌎✈️
