The Sustainable Aviation: Global best practices for implementation in the Pakistani Aviation Industry.

Abstract

The concern of sustainable aviation has risen to be an area of focus as the entire aviation industry attempts to cut down carbon emissions as well as handles the issues revolving around climate change. This research paper analyzes the United Nations’ best practices on aviation sustainability, which has newer technologies, uncommon fuels, and improved operational efficiencies, while giving concrete suggestions on the aviation industry in Pakistan. Based on primary research and global

efforts undertaken by IATA, ICAO, the paper captures key initiatives such as CORSIA and biofuels promotion. These efforts have been tried and succeeded in several countries. The USA and Brazil have invested in biofuels, whereas Europe is ahead with hydrogen operated aircrafts and electric aviation in addition to supporting this initiative.

The need to decarbonize within the global aviation sector has necessitated sustainable aviation as a critical area for development and cooperation. This paper explores the applicability of global best practices in biofuels, hydrogen propulsion, electric aviation, and operational optimization to Pakistan’s aviation industry. The aviation world is being set towards net-zero emissions by international efforts through the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), IATA, and ICAO. These efforts will allow countries, such as the USA, which have the capability to harvest agricultural residues and algae, to reduce aviation’s carbon foot print by as much as 80%. European countries are already leading the sector by developing hydrogen powered aircraft and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) machines. The air traffic management (ATM) sector is advancing as well. AI incentivized route optimization and continuous descent operations are eliminating excessive fuel expenditure and emissions.

Pakistan’s aviation industry does not adopt these practices even with its strategic geographic location and the unexplored opportunities it can utilize. The country’s reliance on conventional jet fuel, aging fleet and underdeveloped green infrastructure makes it more vulnerable environmentally and economically. Take for example, emissions from Pakistan airlines have increased by 12% since 2015 due to growing passenger traffic by 10% annually prior to the pandemic, while not having any structure in place to facilitate biofuel blending or carbon offsetting. Airports are fossil fuel dependent and the contribution of renewable energy is less than 5% of the energy mix and the air traffic management is based on obsolete technologies. Such lack of engagement with prevailing international practices not only increases operational expenses, but also exposes the country to potential exclusion from climate-friendly trade agreements and funding.

In order to address these shortcomings, Pakistan needs to embrace sustainability policies which are proven to work elsewhere. Biofuels offer a low hanging fruit. The country produces over 50 million tons of agricultural waste which includes rice husks and sugarcane bagasse, which can be transformed into Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) with the assistance of international biofuel companies. Truly, Brazil’s achievement of expanding SAF production using sugarcane ethanol is a model that can easily be copied. At the same time, there is a need to align CORSIA offsets with Pakistan aviation policy framework, such as investing in reforestation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa or Sindh as carbon sinks. There modernize air traffic control systems to reduce fuel consumption by 15-

20%, as India did with Gatishakti program. Besides, solar energy can be harnessed at, to provide electricity to, Pakistani airports, especially Islamabad and Karachi, which allow for these airports to be used more easily. Cochin International Airport’s shift to 100% solar energy shows how the operations can become cost effective without emissions from electricity generation.

Due to its distinct position, Pakistan is able to function as a trade route between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. This increases its chances of becoming a regional authority in sustainable aviation. By involving public and private partnerships along with global sponsors in the aviation industry, growth in hydrogen and electric aviation infrastructure is possible. For example, there can be deals with the Airbus Hydrogen Engine Development Program or with the Nordic Countries for trials for electric air craft. That would place Pakistan in the forefront with new technology. Such measures would lower pollution levels, while generating majorly skilled employment opportunities, and blooding supporting industries from renewable energy to advanced manufacturing.

In context with the Sustainable Development Goal 13 or climate action, this shift would bring multi- pronged advantages for them. Delivering 30% of SAFs by 2035 would result in an 1.8 million reduction to Pakistan’s aviation emissions, while solar powered airports could cut energy expenditure by around forty percent. Furthermore, engagement in international carbon markets by means of

CORSIA could potentially provide two to three hundred million in funding annually. By the year 2026, these initiatives and measures will enhance Pakistan’s geopolitical standing, and will promote favorable trade terms with eco-conscious markets, like EU.

In conclusion, Pakistan can promote to economic prosperity and can ensure climate resilience under the umbrella of sustainable aviation initiatives and projects. Intergradation of biofuels, modernization of infrastructure, and through global collaborations, country’s aviation sector can be transformed into model of innovation and sustainability.