Can Aviation Become Sustainable By 2050?

Flying is one of the most carbon-intensive activities in the world.


However, even with it being so, the industry contributes to just 2.5% of the world’s total carbon emissions as only 10% of the world’s population fly every year – does this statistic surprise you?


With this figure set to increase due to factors such as increasing salaries and developing technologies, the aviation industry has been reviewing how to become sustainable over the last few years. Now, action is needing to be implemented to achieve its goal of becoming sustainable by 2050.


Let’s explore what this means.


Definition Of Sustainable:


  • Causing, or made in a way that causes little or no damage to the environment and therefore able to continue for a long time.
  • Able to continue over a period of time


In 2023, nearly 940,000 flights departed from UK airports producing 32 Mt of CO2 emissions. Compared to 2022, this number increased by 16% and the number of emissions from those flights rose by 23%.


With this number set to continue to skyrocket, all aspects of the industry must be analysed to uncover where and how sustainability can be interjected.


One of the main sticking points from scientists and industry leaders worldwide for making aviation sustainable by 2050 is choosing a viable, sustainable fuel.


In fact, Boeing is buying 9.4million gallons of blended sustainable aviation fuel to support its 2024 US commercial operations, reducing its carbon emissions and working towards fuel consumption globally.


And whilst this is a great starting point that will reduce emissions per passenger, it is not enough to keep up with the rapid increase in passengers and their global footprint, which is forecasted to double over the next 20 years.


Ways Aviation Can Become Sustainable


New Technologies In Aircrafts


Manufacturers have made significant improvements to aircrafts over the years and are continuing to explore, adopt and invest in technologies for both existing and new models.


Many airlines are replacing their older, less efficient aircrafts with newer models that use advanced technologies; this has seen a reduction in fuel consumption and C02 emissions. For example. Boeings 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A350 now offer up to 25% more fuel efficiency.

 

AI predicting Contrails


The white lines trailing aircrafts, called contrails, have a surprisingly large impact on the climate. Clouds created by contrails account for roughly 35% of aviation’s global warming impact.


AI is being used to predict when, where and which flights are likely to form contrails, and can then be used to adjust the altitudes of flights to avoid the formations.


Google has collaborated with American Airlines and Breakthrough Energy to leverage these AI tools to experiment how successful this technology is and resulted in a 54% reduction in contrail formation.


 

Using Passenger Data More Accurately


With advanced algorithms and machine learning, airlines can better understand customer behavior and anticipate future demand. These technologies can help airlines adjust capacity to meet demand without overloading flights or running half-empty planes – removing wasted travel and reducing emissions.


As capacity utilisation increases, greenhouse gas emissions per passenger kilometer decrease, making air travel more sustainable.


As the aviation industry is set to experience huge growth, those working within the sector will have to navigate these changes and how their roles may develop alongside it to meet the growing pressures.


Explore Our Aviation Opportunities Here

Silhouette of a person against a gray background.

Published on April 26, 2024

Written by

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

By Imogen Baumber September 2, 2025
1. Cyber Security Threats
Wind turbines along a coast under a bright blue sky, with clouds and mountains in the background.
July 24, 2025
As the world races toward a net-zero future, the renewable energy sector isn’t just growing… it’s exploding . We’re seeing a huge wave of new jobs and a total reshaping of what the global workforce looks like. Whether it’s solar panels on rooftops, offshore wind farms, massive battery installations, or behind-the-scenes digital infrastructure, clean energy is now one of the most exciting and fast-moving industries out there. And the best part? It’s hiring like never before. In the UK alone, jobs in the low-carbon and renewable energy space jumped by 27% between 2020 and 2022. That’s over 272,000 people now working in the sector, growing five times faster than the average UK job market. To keep up with this momentum and hit BIG 2030 targe ts, energy giants like National Grid, SSE Transmission, and SP Energy Networks are calling for a “clean power army.” That means tens of thousands of new roles popping up across the country, from high-tech engineering to policy, operations, and beyond. But with this growth comes one big challenge: a serious need for talent with the right skills . Here are five must-have skill sets that’ll help you thrive in the renewable energy world of 2025: 1. Technical Engineering Know-How Roles in solar, wind, and energy storage rely heavily on both electrical and mechanical engineering . That means everything from designing and maintaining wind turbines to wiring systems or optimising large-scale battery installations. 2. Data Analytics & Energy System Modelling Behind every solar farm and wind turbine is a mountain of data being crunched to make things more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable. That’s where data analysts and system modelers come in. Whether it’s forecasting power generation, simulating grid performance, or improving storage strategies, these skills are in hot demand. 3. Project Management & Agile Thinking Whether it’s building a new wind farm or upgrading a transmission line, you need people who can lead teams, hit deadlines, and stay flexible when the plan changes… which it will. Project managers with experience in specific methodologies are especially valuable. It’s not just about keeping things on track, it’s about knowing how to adapt fast in a high-stakes environment. 4. Grid Integration & Smart Grid Tech As we integrate more renewables into the energy mix, our power grids need to be smarter and more adaptable than ever. That’s where grid integration specialists come in. They help make sure all these new energy sources actually work together without overloading the system. Understanding smart grids, real-time monitoring, and digital control systems is key here. 5. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Expertise Renewables like wind and solar don’t always generate power when we need it, which is why energy storage is essential. BESS experts design, operate, and maintain the systems that store excess power and release it when demand spikes. This is one of the fastest-growing areas in energy, and it touches on everything from chemistry and electrical systems to grid regulations and safety compliance. The bottom line?  If you’ve got the right mix of technical know-how, are digitally savvy, and a strategic thinker, the renewable energy sector offers incredible career opportunities right now… and it’s only going to grow from here. The clean energy revolution isn’t coming. It’s already here. And the question is: are you ready to power it? Connect with our Specialist Power Generation team today here.
V7 Recruitment sign with
July 16, 2025
With the second quarter of 2025 now behind us, the momentum at V7 Recruitment continues to build. From exciting new projects to key team developments, Q2 has been packed with progress and opportunities. Here’s a quick look at some of the highlights from the past few months: Recruiter Awards Shortlists Q2 started off strong with V7 being shortlisted for not one, not two, but THREE award categories for the 2025 Recruiter Awards! We are shortlisted for the following categorie s:
Open-plan office with people working at computers. Bright lights, exposed red pipes.
July 2, 2025
What’s Happened So Far As we reach the midpoint of 2025, one thing is clear: candidates are redefining what they expect from employers. In a job market transformed by AI, global talent competition, and evolving work norms, today’s job seekers aren’t just chasing salaries. Instead, they’re prioritising flexibility, purpose, well-being, and opportunities to grow. Understanding these shifting expectations isn’t just a nice-to-have for employers; it’s the key to attracting and retaining top talent in an increasingly candidate-driven market. Here are some moments from 2025 recruitment trends so far: In the UK, 51% of business leaders say they’re prioritising AI investment instead of traditional hiring, following increased employer costs. 76% of employers globally report talent shortages—the highest on record. 67% of HR professionals identify skilled talent competition as their biggest challenge. 94% of employers see skills-based hiring as a better predictor of performance . So, let’s take a look candidates want when job hunting over the next 6 months… and what other recruitment trends from 2025 may form! 1. Flexibility Is Non-Negotiable As we enter the second half of 2025, one trend is clearer than ever: candidates don’t just want flexible work… they expect it! The world of work has shifted permanently since the pandemic. While some companies push for office returns, remote and hybrid options remain top priorities for job seekers evaluating employers. Global recruitment data shows most professionals, especially in tech, marketing, and finance, actively filter jobs for remote or hybrid roles. But flexibility isn’t only about where people work, it’s also about when. Candidates want schedules that fit their lives, whether adjusting hours for caregiving, education, or peak productivity. The companies winning talent in 2025 are those offering customisable schedules instead of rigid 9–5 hours recognising that flexibility drives engagement, loyalty, and productivity. Businesses resisting this shift face rising turnover, higher hiring costs, and struggles to appeal to today’s workforce. 2. Compensation Must Match Market Realities As economic pressures persist and living costs stay high, candidates expect compensation that reflects current market realities, not outdated pay structures. Employers who don’t keep up risk losing both potential hires and existing team members to companies that do. Salary transparency is now essential, with candidates demanding clear pay details in job ads before applying. After all, how likely are you to apply for a role that doesn’t mention salary? But salary alone isn’t enough to retain talent. Candidates are looking beyond standard benefits like health insurance or bonuses. They want holistic support, including mental health resources, fertility and family planning benefits, sabbaticals, and flexible wellness stipends. Companies tailoring benefits to employees’ evolving needs are more successful at attracting and keeping diverse, high-performing teams. 3. Candidates Want Growth—Not Just a Job In 2025, candidates are seeking employers who will invest in their growth. As skills requirements shift faster than ever, professionals know that continuous learning is key to staying relevant… so when it comes to looking for opportunities, learning and development is top of the list. Companies that stand out are those making upskilling and reskilling part of their core strategy. Whether it’s funding certifications, hosting in-house workshops, or giving employees time to learn new technologies, these investments send a clear message that they’re committed to your future. This not only helps retain top talent but also builds a more agile, resilient workforce equipped to handle evolving business needs. So, how do you stack up? As we head into the second half of 2025, employers have a clear choice… …adapt to what candidates want or risk falling behind. Flexibility, fair and transparent compensation, and real opportunities for growth aren’t perks, they’re expectations. Companies willing to meet these demands will not only attract the best talent but also build more engaged, loyal, and future-ready teams. The question for every employer now is simple: are you keeping pace with what today’s candidates actually need? Find out how V7 Recruitment can help you avoid a bad hire at www.v7recruitment.com .