Slower Flights For A Greener Future: Why Planes May Soon Fly 15% Slower

The researchers recommend a 15% decrease in aircraft speed, which would cause transatlantic trips to take an additional 50 minutes.

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If scientists from the University of Cambridge have their way, aeroplane travel times may increase. They recommend a 15% decrease in aircraft speed, which would cause transatlantic trips to take an additional 50 minutes. However, why? to cut fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

Why Fly Slower?

According to the Cambridge team, flying slower could cut fuel consumption by 5-7%, helping the aviation industry contribute less to global warming. Their report, “Five Years to Chart a New Future for Aviation,” emphasises the need for immediate changes to meet the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

Key Measures to Cut Fuel Burn

The report outlines three major steps that could lead to a 50% reduction in fuel use by 2050.

New Aircraft and Engine Technologies – Conventional improvements like better engines and operational efficiency could cut fuel use by up to 22%.

Fleet Replacement – Replacing aircraft more frequently by reducing the retirement age from 30 to 15 years could lead to an 11-14% reduction in fuel burn.

Flying Close to Design Range – Ensuring aircraft fly within their ideal range could lower fuel consumption by another 4-7%.

Passenger Impact: Longer Flights

Flying slower has a potential downside: longer flights. On transatlantic routes, the added flight time is estimated to be around 50 minutes. However, researchers suggest that reduced airport wait times could balance this out. Despite the environmental benefits, this change might not sit well with passengers, especially nervous flyers.

Why This Matters for the Aviation Industry

Reducing emissions in the aviation industry is difficult since it requires system-wide adjustments that are outside the control of airlines. Policies enforcing these audacious steps are necessary for the industry to achieve a 50% decrease in fuel usage by 2050. The research is adamant that the window of opportunity to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 may close if swift action is not taken.

Fear of Air Travel: An Additional Issue?

The prospect of even longer trip durations is bad news for anyone who currently experience aerophobia, or a fear of flying. This dread, which is said to affect 1 in 10 Britons, is frequently caused by more serious psychiatric problems including panic attacks or claustrophobia. The possibility of spending more time in the air can make flying more anxiety-inducing.