Technological progress

Between 1960 and 2001, fuel efficiency per passenger kilometre increased by around 65 percent (by 17 percent between 1990 and 2000 alone). This increase in efficiency came about through improved engine technology and aerodynamics as well as higher utilisation.

The technical possibilities are, however, far from exhausted. According to the Advisory Council for Aeronautical Research in Europe (ACARE), technologies that allow further reductions by up to 50 percent should be available by 2020.However, it should be noted that the growth in the volume of air traffic is currently so fast that it more than offsets these efficiency increases. Therefore, technologically highly innovative and effective efficiency measures should be the goal.

Source:
ACARE: Advisory Council for Aeronautical Research

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