EU airlines seek to change flight routes to reduce emissions

European airlines are planning to change the routes of their airliners in order to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, with plans being developed as part of the European Commission’s Single European Sky (SES) initiative, TASS reports

It is noted that airlines do not often use the most efficient routes between the two airports due to congestion in the airspace and the rules set by national air traffic controllers.

As part of the SES initiative, airlines will be able to choose optimal routes that include flights at high altitudes with a smooth approach, resulting in significant fuel savings.

The implementation of this initiative, according to forecasts of the European Commission, will reduce emissions in Europe by up to 10 percent, which is equivalent to 11.6Mt of carbon per year – crucial in achieving net-zero emissions targets by 2050.

Aviation is currently responsible for over 2 percent of global emissions.