From Fortune:



Europe’s largest airline group CEO says that even the climate crisis isn’t enough to discourage budget-friendly flights. Over the years, the aviation industry has tried to reduce its carbon footprint by using cleaner fuel and offering “green fares.” He claims that passengers won’t stop flying because of environmental concerns, and suggests activists focus on shipping, which accounts for more CO2 emissions than airlines. In response to the climate movement, Ryanair’s CEO Michael O’Leary said that distribution of edible oils will not be sufficient to power aviation. Additionally, his airline has committed to powering 12.5% of its flights through sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) by 2030

SAFs, which have recently emerged as an alternative to fossil fuels, are described as a short-term solution that won’t be able to sustain aviation long-term. O’Leary believes continued progress could remedy environmental concerns and reduce fuel use by potentially 25%. He also suggests electric vehicles may play a role in cutting fuel use. The airline has committed to powering 12.5% of its flights with SAF by 2030, however, O’Leary still has doubts concerning their ability to meet those volumes. Although SAFs may not be immediately scalable, O’Leary said he has no doubt that decarbonizing is imperative and that the sector will move in the direction of achieving that. He also suggests there are other ways to cut fuel consumption by up to 25%—such as by curbing air traffic control delays and inefficient routing.



Read more: Ryanair CEO: Aviation wrongly made the ‘poster child’ for climate change