Evaluating the effectiveness of sustainable aviation in the Middle East: A study of two UAE-based carriers

Abstract

Abstract The Middle East aviation industry comprises 4.5 percent of the global aviation market, thanks to its strategic location between all the continents of the world and its position as a hub connecting the European and Asia-Pacific markets. The UAE is the biggest aviation market in the Middle East, with a 45 percent share of the region’s aviation sector. This study evaluates the effectiveness of sustainable aviation in the Middle East by analysing the sustainability measures and strategies of two of the UAE’s biggest carriers: Emirates Airline and Etihad Airways. Thematic analysis of the sustainability reports of the two carriers identified the environmental impacts of their operations and their measures and strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in compliance with ICAO and IATA policies and targets within the 3 pillars of sustainability: economic, social, and environmental. Emirates Airline’s reports revealed a clearly focused and ambitious drive to reduce environmental impacts using globally accepted honest and transparent accounting and reporting practices, whereas Etihad Airways’ report lacked details and did not signify a positive corporate social responsibility policy. Emirates Airline, unlike Etihad, reported on the emissions of NOx, CO, and UHCs below 3,000 feet, using ICAO’s landing/take-off (LTO) cycle. Also, Emirates Airline completed its first Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) emissions report for 2019 and was finalising the audited report for 2020, while Etihad Airways will be obliged to purchase carbon credits to offset post-2020 absolute emissions, if it fails to meet targets for the voluntary pilot phase beginning in 2021. Finally, Etihad introduced sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from various sources into its energy mix, and Emirates reported aircraft fuel consumption, fuel efficiency and CO2 efficiency due to increased use of SAF. The study concludes that, despite the strategies and measures reported, the chances that both airlines would achieve 2050 net zero emissions target remain slim.