EASA's proposed environmental label programme : benefits and shortcomings

Abstract

On their own, SAF and hydrogen aircraft are not the solution to aviation's climate problems (as conveyed by industry). E-fuels are needed rather than biofuels. E-fuels must be made from CO2 from the atmosphere (extracted by Direct Air Capture, DAC). Unfortunately, the renewable energy demand for aviation's e-fuel is higher than its availability. Any small progress is immediately compensated by traffic growth. Flying less is a fundamental solution that works! Passengers need to get informed (with an Ecolabel), need to decide if they want to travel at all, if they want to take the aircraft (or another mode of transport), and which aircraft and airline to select. Passenger are in a strong position. Passengers can vote with their feet! ReFuelEU, Article 14 "Environmental Labeling Scheme" is very promising, but some changes would be helpful. EASA has started with its "Environmental Labeling Scheme for Aviation". EASA's progress seems slow. EASA partnered with Google. Google has already a good solution: https://flights.google.com. HAW Hamburg has an Ecolabel for Aircraft ready and is working on its Airline Label and Flight Label.