Airbus’ Bid to Make Aviation Manufacturing more Sustainable

The aviation industry is a major contributor to economic growth and global connectivity. According to the Air Transport Action Group, the sector contributed US$4.1tn to global GDP and supported 86.5 million jobs in 2023.

Within this landscape, Airbus is designing its aircraft with the aim of helping to transition the industry towards more sustainable practices.

In fact, our sister title Sustainability Magazine recently ranked Airbus 48th in its Top 250 World’s Most Sustainable Companies 2025.

Airbus' sustainability targets

Airbus has established sustainability targets that have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) as outlined in its 2025 Pioneering Sustainable Aviation report.

Goals include a 63% reduction in its Scope 1 and 2 absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and the neutralisation of any residual emissions. Furthermore, Airbus aims to decrease its Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 46% by 2035, using 2015 as a baseline year.

Safety remains a primary focus in its operations for its employees, products and services. Airbus's aircraft, helicopters and satellites are built to meet stringent regulatory standards with safety integrated into the design, testing and production phases.

Airbus is actively contributing to the wider aerospace industry's long-term objective of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

Guillaume Faury, CEO at Airbus, says: “This means expanding production of these new, fuel-efficient aircraft to help airlines accelerate the renewal of their fleets.

He adds: “Airbus is advocating for and investing in sustainable aviation fuels, which are critical to making progress in reducing emissions today. Our core principles of safety, quality, integrity, compliance and security will guide us in all we do.”

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and the energy transition

A key component of Airbus's strategy is its decarbonisation roadmap, designed to support the energy transition in aviation. Airbus is focused on increasing the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) throughout the sector.

Currently, its aircraft can operate on a blend of up to 50% SAF and conventional fuel. Airbus has set a target for all its aircraft and helicopters to be capable of flying with 100% SAF by 2030.

The use of SAF could lead to a potential reduction in carbon dioxide equivalent emissions of up to 80% over its lifecycle compared to conventional kerosene, according to the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

To advance this goal, Airbus is collaborating with fuel producers, airlines, governments and researchers to accelerate SAF production and improve its availability on a global scale.

A circular economy approach to aircraft manufacturing

Airbus incorporates a lifecycle approach in its manufacturing process, designing its products for longevity with a lifespan intended to exceed 20 years. Airbus seeks to minimise environmental impacts across its operations and supply chains.

It has been working on enhancing supply chain resilience from the sourcing of materials through to the end-of-life management of its products.

A primary objective for Airbus is to reduce waste and the consumption of raw materials, thereby extending the lifespan of its services and products. Airbus also encourages its customers and partners to adopt similar circular economy principles.

Specific targets include a 20% reduction in waste collection and achieving 0% landfilling and incineration without energy recovery by 2030 compared to 2015 levels.

Julie Kitcher, Chief Sustainability Officer at Airbus, says: “We want to do business in a way that benefits society as a whole.”

Julie continues: “We stand for transparency and integrity, and expect our partners and suppliers to do the same.”

"Airbus is helping to maintain high standards throughout the industry value chain.”