Sustainable aviation, technology, and customer education have joined forces to make seeing the world a less environmentally damaging activity. That’s because aviation is arguably the travel industry’s worst polluter.
At least since the first Earth Day in 1970, travelers have understood the impact of pollution on the planet. Given a choice, families already vote for sustainable travel with their wallets, booking greener tours and activities. Since sustainable aviation is a hard to attain goal, some skip flying altogether, opting for overland travel by train.
Everyone agrees, however, that challenges like rising travel costs, overtourism and a lack of information make it difficult to know which travel options are most sustainable. Enter Travalyst, the not-for-profit organization founded by Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, to make travel more sustainable. Now five years old, they are focused on developing a universal measurement tool to track travel’s carbon footprint. The Travalyst team says, “If you can’t measure it, you can’t change it.”
The Travalyst partnership with Google, Expedia, Booking, Sabre and other travel giants equals a $3 trillion coalition of brands working to change how we travel.
Let’s look at advancements in sustainable aviation that help keep our environment healthier.
Airlines Commit to Net Zero Emissions by 2050
While travel and tourism represent 10% of the world’s GDP, the industry is also responsible for 10% of global emissions, Travalyst CEO Sally Davey acknowledges.
At present, aviation alone is responsible for an estimated 3% of travel’s global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The growth in long-haul travel could increase that figure to 40% by the year 2050 says PhocusWire. Making aviation more sustainable is the only option.
The airlines’ stated goal is to be 100% green by 2050 by moving beyond traditional carbon offsets. United and other airlines are betting on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), hydrogen-electric engines, electric planes and using eVTOLs as air taxis to help them get there.
Airlines Under Pressure Now to Clean Up Their Environmental Act
Most reports scold the airlines for not doing enough to lessen their carbon footprint. Yet, all acknowledge the challenges and expense the aviation industry faces.
“Envisioning Tourism in 2030” from UK’s The Travel Foundation, takes a different approach to sustainable aviation. Their scenario to achieve net zero by 2050 is simply, as teen activist Greta Thonberg champions, a reduction in long-haul flights. To maintain the travel industry’s post-pandemic growth spurt, analysts recommend that tourist boards and travel companies target short-haul customers. They encourage governments to invest in greener forms of transport and the travel industry to adopt them.
Until airlines advance decarbonization, they suggest long-haul flights (greater than 10,000 miles) be heavily taxed to curb their appeal. Meanwhile, airlines and travel businesses continue to make progress through scientific research, sustainable aviation technologies and education.
Meet TIM, The Travalyst Travel Impact Model Tool
Did you know that carbon emissions from flying vary by time of day, distance of flight, aircraft, seating configuration, plane loads, weather, type of fuel, and many other factors? TIM, the Travel Impact Model, is a system Google developed that accurately estimates emissions on a per-flight, per-passenger basis. Travalyst has supported the development of that model and helped to drive adoption throughout the whole industry. They report that TIM emissions data has been seen on over 65 billion searches worldwide.
TIM fuels Travalyst’s goal to bring data into the mainstream, in a consistent way, at the point of booking. Educated consumers can now see the carbon emissions of one flight v. another. They can make the right choice by selecting a lower carbon footprint route. Applying these tools to the large and lucrative corporate travel segment is the latest achievement for the Travalyst coalition.
Sabre Works With Travalyst To Educate Travel Professionals
Sabre is the huge global travel technology company most travelers have never heard of. Their software is used by hundreds of airlines, hospitality businesses, and thousands of travel agencies. Jessica Matthias, Sabre’s Global Sustainability Director, estimated at Climate Week 2024 that Sabre powers about $700 million in flight bookings and $122 million in hotel transactions.
When customers use Google Flights or travel professionals search Sabre, they now see the carbon footprint of each flight thanks to TIM. While the airlines rush to overhaul operations, aircraft, and fuel to get to net zero emissions by 2050, Sabre is empowering corporate travel managers and consumers to help reduce carbon emissions starting immediately. Education is the key.
Sabre’s newest refinement of TIM adds context to emissions data. Shoppers can filter travel options to make better environmental choices. Additionally, they are working on quantifying the carbon footprint of past flights so corporations can accurately measure their business travel impact.
Matthias noted that by using TIM data, Sabre travel managers can steer employees to significantly less polluting flights. Sabre analysts estimate a potential carbon reduction of 10% at their own company when employees book lower emission, same-day flight alternatives. That’s huge.
Corporate Travelers Have An Outsize Environmental Impact
The Global Business Travel Association educates the many voices of corporate travel, including suppliers, travel managers, and CEOs who are facing pressure to reduce carbon emissions and disclose their net zero progress.
Their new TIM dashboard allows GBTA members to track the environmental impact of employee travels and adjust them to fall within company guidelines.
As corporate travel adjusts to line up with net zero goals, this affects suppliers of air and hospitality who are rated on their environmental impact. AT GBTA, they believe that if corporate travelers send the right signals, suppliers will invest in sustainable aviation and other environmentally friendly products.
United Educates The Public in a Relatable Way
Meet Sesame Street‘s Oscar the Grouch, United Airlines’ first Chief Trash Officer. Travelers learn from him how garbage, made into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), fuels the future of air travel.
As every kid knows, the furry green Oscar has lived in a garbage can for nearly 30 years. He/she/it stars in a multimedia campaign that follows they from a job listing into a C-suite office alongside real United employees. Traveling families love the short videos, billboards and social media posts showing Oscar the Grouch at work. The win-win collaboration extends to supporting Sesame Workshop by enabling travelers to donate miles towards their global mission.
Additionally, United invests in alternate propulsion technologies and start-ups focused on decarbonizing air travel by accelerating the research, production and technologies associated with sustainable aviation fuels.
Understanding Sustainable Aviation Fuels: SAF & Hydrogen
SAF is an alternative to conventional jet fuel now made from used cooking oil and agricultural waste. SAF currently must be blended with conventional jet fuel to meet regulatory requirements for use within aircraft. The blend, therefore, on a lifecycle basis, reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with air travel compared to conventional jet fuel alone.
Currently, SAF represents less than 0.1% of United’s overall fuel use. That use is growing, however, partially due to Illinois’ SAF tax credits that encouraged United to bring sustainable aviation fuel to Chicago O’Hare, one of the largest airports in the U.S. In the future, SAF could be made from other feedstocks including household trash or forest waste. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the country’s feedstock is enough to meet the projected SAF demand of the entire U.S. aviation industry.
Hydrogen gas may soon be a viable sustainable power source. Austrian Airlines is trialing H2Genset, an innovative hydrogen generator from TEST-FUCHS (an Austrian based company.) The emission-free power supply is being tested at Vienna Airport while doing plane maintenance. Project partners are building expertise for the possible future use of hydrogen as a mobile energy supply at the airport.
Lufthansa and Aircraft Manufacturers Work Towards Sustainable Aviation
Of course, several carriers, especially in European countries, are making net-zero commitments and investing in new technology.
The Lufthansa Group announced their order for 108 state-of-the-art, long-haul aircraft. The multi-year delivery includes Airbus A350-1000, Airbus A350-900, Boeing 787-9 and Boeing 777-9 planes. More fuel-efficient, the aircraft consume 2.5 liters of fuel per passenger per 100 kms. That figure represents some 30% less than predecessor aircraft types.
They are, Lufthansa says, the quietest and most economical long-haul aircraft in the air.
Sustainable Aviation Gets Boost from the Federal Government
Tax credits and incentives for clean energy and carbon capture were also part of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. The bill includes climate change investments that are expected to grow the infrastructure for SAF use. Alaska Airlines is one that plans to take advantage of SAF to reduce its carbon emissions to net zero by 2040. At present, passengers note that on-board water is delivered in boxes rather than single use plastics. In-flight food waste is composted too.
Similarly, the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act required the Department of Defense military aircraft to use a jet fuel blend containing at least 10% SAF by 2028.
What’s The Sustainable Traveler To Do?
How do you become the sustainable travelers you want to be?
Use the available tools next time you book flights, says Travalyst. Make an informed decision on the least polluting flight option. There is no such thing as sustainable aviation today, but data can help us make better choices.
Even Oscar the Grouch would say things are looking up for sustainable aviation.
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Dr. Artinian, thank you so much for posting that memory. How exciting it must have been, to share the skies with Apollo 11. I agree that today it seems like a remarkable achievement but of course we have not worked together, so hard for so long, on other projects that really need to be addressed. Education is one place to start!
The Lunar Landings
As I was landing in the northern desert of Saudi Arabia in a DC3 plane on July 20, 1969, the Americans were landing on the moon. That evening, the staff of Badana Base Hospital, that belonged to the Trans Arabian Pipeline Company (Tapline), were listening to the news, (Television was not available in the desert). They welcomed me as the new Internist at the hospital.
Soon I learned that the Saudis found it hard to believe that human beings could defile the moon by landing on it, which could have initiated the moon landing conspiracy theories, that persist today.
Now, 50 years later, the lunar landings were, and remain, the greatest achievement of humanity since the birth of intelligence on earth!
Boghos L. Artinian MD
Great information while traveling with children. Children safety first.
I want to do a car trip with my infant child and wife. But, I was afraid how can I travel with my infant child. After reading your blog I got some courage. Thanks for sharing such information. Thanks a lot.
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Hello Hatch, we would be pleased if you want to share any articles from FamilyTravelForum with your audience. Anything we can do to help family travelers is a plus! Thank you.
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CORNING MUSEUM OF GLASS, NEW YORK
The Corning Museum of Glass – the world’s largest collection of glass – is showing “Journey to the Moon: How Glass Got Us There” and actual glassy pieces of moon meteorites to touch and see. For scavenger buffs, visitors to the museum can test their super-sleuthing skills and see if they can find the glass-tronaut hidden amongst the galleries.
Awesome Article!
Thanks for sharing..
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON TO TEST CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DOUGH IN SPACE OVEN
In a partnership with Zero G Kitchen which is supplying a prototype space oven, and NanoRacks, a commercial space station company, Hilton’s DoubleTree brand is aiding efforts to bring freshly cooked food to the International Space Station. Some time in late 2019, their cookie dough hopes to be the source of the first fresh-baked chocolate chip cookie in space. Here’s more info about this and a cool student competition sponsored by Scholastic.
ok, thanks for the reply!
Thanks for sharing this! you’ll be able to do good as well as have fun and make a difference in the world. Whereas volunteer is always appreciated by all people.
Indeed, a good list. Everyday. At home or on the road.
hi Heather,
Thanks for your comment. We checked on those images and you’re right, that one with the pirate ship in the pool is not from the Bahia Resort. We removed it and checked the others, and the Bahia still has their famous Moorish style pool and pretty beachfront. Hope you have a great trip there.
Thank you Lisa d. So glad that Laura’s review of both Fairmont resorts helped you to make a choice, especially since you can’t really go wrong in Bermuda.
thank you I have been deciding between the two properties and your post was very helpful in my decision.
One of the pictures with a slide doesn’t look like the pool I remember seeing at the bahia. Did they add a new pool?
Dubai is an amazing destination for tourists from across the world. The city tour, desert safari and dhow cruise are among the most famous things to do in Dubai.
Thank you for sharing a really useful and informative article. The way you have detailed and described is really helpful. Hope to see more amazing articles like this. Keep it up to the good work!
Spring Break in Dubai is more exciting with Adventure Plus Desert Safari Dubai tours in Dubai
Great suggestions! The only action item Id say “Oh Hayyllll Nawww” to would be horse-drawn carriage rides. Check out the internet and youll see whats going on with those poor horses. But your other ideas for educational and just-plain fun – really excited to try them out with the family! Thank again.
Hello Omar and Katie,
The Scholasrship Submission form is working again, please revisit the page: https://myfamilytravels.com/Teen_travel_writing to apply for the 2019 Teen Travel Writing Scholarship.
Thanks and good luck!
I would love to participate but I keep getting page not found
Hello Omar, thank you for your note. We have noted this error and our web development team is working to fix it right away. We will let you know when it’s working again. Good luck!
Hi,
I am Paul from Cheapfaremart. I like your Article. If you always travel in Group then you can book cheap flights for Group travel like Family group, Students or business Group.
Know more:
I am very interested in participating in this scholarship opportunity. However, every time I click on the essay submission form, it takes me to a ‘Page not found’ link and says that there is an error with the link. Is there another link that I could possibly submit my essay and photos?
I had a travel blog in the past. But I was going through a rough phase so I shut it down. This article has inspired me to start once again.
SCHLITTERBAHN OPENS INFINITY RACERS, A MAJOR SPACE-THEMED WATERSLIDE
June 7, Colonel Terry Virts, a U.S. Air Force test/fighter pilot and NASA veteran of two spaceflights, will dedicate the newest, only one of its kind, 8-story-tall waterslide at Schlitterbahn Galveston. Infinity Racers is a pair of space-themed, racing head-first mat slides that race through enclosed colorful tubes as long as three space stations.
Nice Post. Thanks for Sharing with us……
Right?? It’s like a dream. I really didn’t believe them at all when I heard that, but looked it up, and sure enough, it’s really that sunny! I can’t wait to head back to the area.
I’m not sure as the rates tend to vary depending on the season. It’s probably best to contact them directly – (727) 363-5100. If you’re curious about their overall rates, I would ask if the rate changes depending on the season, and when their high and low season is. Hope that helps!
I remember visiting KSC during my school days with my friends where we got to learn a lot of interesting things related to space and comsos.
My husband and I are actually scheduled to stay at the Sirata Resort, in just a few days. I was wondering, if you happened to know the cost for the Private Cabana Rentals, you mentioned in your article?? Thank You!!
great useful info you have shared , being a traveler i need it most and it’s really helpful for the first time travelers. thanks for sharing.
I think curious teens would love this road trip. If you schedule enough time for Santa Cruz — which has a great amusement park and places to take surf lessons, that could be a 2-3 day stay for you. Going south, the Hearst Castle with all its tales of intrigue and the story of William Randolph Hearst’s life… it’s pretty fun as house tours go.
The scenery along the Pacific Coast Highway is beautiful, too, if you think your son would enjoy that. At many points, he can look out and see surfers! Towns like San Luis Obispo (now hip enough that locals call it SLO) have become destinations for wine and craft beers, so there are lots of cafes with young people that are fun, even if you’re not drinking.
The whole California coast is special, so ask your son to do some research and pick out spots that interest him, then incorporate them into your itinerary. That way, he’ll have a vested interest in making sure the trip is fun.
Do you think a 13 yr old would like this trip?
MALDIVES AND THE MOON FOR OUR PACIFIC FRIENDS
This just in from the Maldives:
Anantara Kihavah Villas in the Maldives has the largest telescope and observatory in the Indian Ocean so it’s slated as one of the best places in the southern hemisphere to observe and study the stars, planets and the moon. And it’s the moon that is taking centre stage for festivities on July 20th as Anantara Kihavah commemorates the 50th anniversary of man’s landing on the moon. To celebrate, Anantara guests are invited to join Shameem, the islands’ resident Star Guru for a ‘Star Gazing’ breakfast. Lay back to gaze at the stars that glitter overhead, and be regaled by Shameem’s knowledge as he takes you on an intergalactic journey before taking a look through the powerful telescope at the craters on the moon that still amaze people 50 years after the first landing.
For guests who like a later start to the day the SKY Bartenders at Kihavah have created a complimentary cocktail for all guests to mark the occasion – The ‘Buzz’ Aldrin ……
Dubai is an awesome place to spend a great time with the loved one or alone be experiencing the local attractions. Thanks for the details, i have missed the dinner night which i will surely book this time and experience it. Keep posting!
I would definitely go for JURASSIC DINOSAUR DIG. Thanks for suggestions
So many good suggestions! It will be hard to choose but surely through these we will have the most beautiful memories in this summer vacation!
361 days of sunshine a year? Wow! It looks like it’s a perfect destination for families! I’ll be more interested in this place!
Glad that you have a great time and a better idea of Vietnam. If you came back, consider visiting Ninh Binh
We are a family who likes to travel and volunteer where possible. We give gifts of time and service. We find that finding small grass roots organisations when on the ground or at your destination creates the best win-win for all concerned. For example we taught English in a small village in Indonesia – https://sabretoothedchickenstour.wordpress.com/2016/01/09/it-takes-a-village/
In the end it is not the actual work you do as a volunteer that is of the greatest impact but the stereotypes you breakdown and the connections made 🙂
Camping holidays in France are extremely popular and you’ll find some fantastic family friendly campsites with a whole host of activities including some brilliant swimming pools.
NEW YORK HALL OF SCIENCE SUMMER MOON FESTIVAL
We’ve just heard that the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission with a summer filled with flight and space-themed exhibits, workshops, demonstrations, installations and a new film. The celebration kicks off on May 17 with Apollo 11: First Steps Edition, a film with never-before-seen footage and audio recordings of the historic mission. Other highlights include NYSCI’s summer exhibition, Above and Beyond – The Ultimate Flight Exhibition, and Apollo, A Party!, an evening event celebrating the Apollo 11 lunar landing. Check out their schedule for tons of workshops and special family events and go in to see a real Saturn V rocket like the one that took Apollo to the moon.
Man on the Moon in Zurich
The art exhibition “Fly Me to the Moon: The Moon Landing 50 Years On” will be featured at Kunsthaus Zurich in Switzerland, from May 4-June 30. The art show examines how the moon landing, and seeing images of the Earth from far away, changed man’s perception of his place in his environment and the universe. Look for moon works by artists John Russell, Rene Burri, Rene Magritte, Andy Warhol and many more.
Moon Walk Celebration in Ohio!
In southeast Ohio’s Hocking Hills region, the John Glenn Astronomy Park (JGAP) is celebrating its first birthday, while marking the 50th anniversary of the first lunar landing. The observatory has 12 telescopes that offer dark sky views due to a lack of light pollution, allowing visitors to discover a distinct view of the moons, planets, stars and galaxies at each visit. The #Apollo50 events begin at 4 p.m. EDT July 20, 2019 and end at 1 a.m. July 21, 2019.
Nice post. I am traveler and I like adventure trips. Its really amazing. I wish to go there one by one. Thanks for sharing about these parks.
Thank you for useful information. It is very detailed.
Traveling with kids is fun but also very tired as we have to take care of them and don’t have much time for ourselves. Sometime I prefer traveling alone.