Aviation is highly dependent on fossil-based jet fuel, which contributes about 2–3% of global CO₂ emissions (and more when non-CO₂ effects like contrails are considered). To decarbonize, the industry is adopting a mix of sustainable energy pathways:

Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF)

What it is: SAF is produced from non-fossil sources (e.g., waste oils, biomass, or even synthetic/e-fuels).

​Benefits: SAF can reduce lifecycle CO₂ emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel, depending on the feedstock and production method.

​Compatibility: SAF can be blended with Jet A-1 and used in current aircraft without modifications.

​Challenge: Limited availability and high cost. Global SAF production is less than 1% of total jet fuel demand today, but mandates and incentives (EU Fit for 55, U.S. SAF Grand Challenge) are scaling it up.

Hydrogen Power

What it is: Hydrogen can be used either in fuel cells (producing electricity) or burned directly in modified gas turbines.

 Benefits: When produced with renewable energy, hydrogen is nearly zero-carbon.

​Challenges: Requires new aircraft designs, storage at very low temperatures (cryogenic), and new airport refueling infrastructure. Likely to enter commercial aviation at regional or short-haul scale around the 2030s.

Hybrid & Electric Propulsion

What it is: Electric or hybrid-electric aircraft use batteries or a mix of batteries + conventional fuel/hydrogen.

​Benefits: Ideal for short-haul flights, regional air mobility, or urban air taxis. Zero direct emissions if powered by renewables.

​Challenges: Battery energy density is a limiting factor for medium/long-haul flights.

Role of Flight Planning Services in This Transition

Flight planning is no longer just about shortest route or lowest cost — it’s becoming a decarbonization tool. Services now help operators integrate sustainable fuels and energy options into operations:

SAF Integration

Flight planning systems can track where SAF is available (airports, suppliers) and plan fuel uplift strategies accordingly.

​They help with Mass & Balance calculations, since SAF can differ in density.

​Crucially, they provide MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, Verification) data for regulators (e.g., EU ETS, CORSIA) to prove SAF usage and claim emissions reductions.

Compliance & Reporting

Airlines are under growing regulatory pressure (EU ReFuelEU, ICAO’s CORSIA). Flight planning systems provide the digital infrastructure to:

• ​Track SAF blend percentages.

• Generate sustainability compliance reports.

• Forecast fuel and emissions savings across fleets.

Optimized Routes for Emission Reduction

Advanced planning tools can minimize fuel burn and avoid contrail-forming regions, cutting both CO₂ and non-CO₂ climate impacts.

​Algorithms weigh time, cost, fuel consumption, and now environmental impact — offering airlines "eco-favorable" routing options.

​Preparing for Hydrogen/Electric Aircraft

As hydrogen/electric aircraft emerge, flight planning will adapt to:

• ​Different range/endurance profiles.

• Infrastructure constraints (only certain airports offering H₂/e-charging).

• New safety and operational parameters (e.g., emergency diversions with hydrogen).