Zero emission : the new credo in civil aviation

Abstract

Purpose – Reach awareness about the strategy of the aviation industry (manufacturers, airlines, organizations) when faced with restrictions from government. Internal emissions (corona virus) and external emissions (CO2, NOX, AIC) are the threats today. --- Approach – Industry published information during the corona pandemic as well as related to aviation and climate change is collected from the Internet and set against scientific evidence. --- Findings – Internal emissions: HEPA filters in aircraft do not produce cabin air "as clean as in a hospital operating theater". External emissions: The goal "zero emission" is proclaimed, but it becomes evident already now that measures are not sufficient and dates will not be met to come even close to set goals. Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is very energy intensive. Non-CO2 effects from aircraft burning hydrogen in jet engines must not be ignored. SAF will only make aircraft climate neutral when about 3 times more CO2 is captured with Direct Air Capture (DAC) then emitted. This is necessary to account for the non-CO2 effects. --- Research limitations – The presentation is based on examples. --- Practical implications – The public gets ill informed. Therefore, it is important so set the record straight. In addition, the strategy used by the aviation industry is exposed. --- Social implications – The discussion opens up the topic beyond aviation expert circles. --- Originality – Not much comparable information is given by other authors.