All Things Aviation: Post-pandemic economics, geopolitics and infrastructure (part 1)
Aug 27, 2024
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Join Paul McConnell, Head of Outlooks at S&P Global, and James Simpson, Head of Aviation Research, as they navigate the post-pandemic aviation landscape. They discuss the industry's crucial role in emissions reduction amid growing demand. Key insights include the impact of economic recovery on travel trends, the implications of emissions regulations in the EU, and the urgent need for alternative fuels. Discover how the aviation sector can align with global climate goals while facing challenges in fuel supply and environmental policies.
The aviation industry's demand is closely linked to global economic growth, with regional disparities influencing recovery trajectories post-pandemic.
Aviation emissions are rising without significant policy intervention, highlighting the need for sustainable fuel alternatives and behavioral changes for decarbonization.
Deep dives
Impact of Economic Growth on Air Travel Demand
The demand for air travel has historically grown in tandem with increasing global incomes and economic development, highlighting the strong correlation between a nation's GDP growth and its aviation sector. However, while aviation emissions are relatively small compared to total greenhouse gas emissions, they have seen significant growth prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Regional disparities exist, as demonstrated by Asia accounting for 40% of the projected growth through 2050, driven by its emergence as an economic powerhouse. In contrast, factors like inadequate infrastructure in Africa are limiting its growth potential despite economic and demographic advancements.
COVID's Transformation of the Aviation Sector
The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on the aviation industry, causing a 45% drop in global demand in 2020, yet a strong recovery is observed, particularly in Western regions. Business travel has rebounded significantly, reflecting that despite the rise of virtual meetings, companies are still eager to engage in face-to-face interactions for longer durations. However, recovery varies by region, with geopolitical factors contributing to slower rebounds in areas like Asia, notably attributed to the effects of the Ukraine conflict and strained U.S.-China relations. Overall, while there is a promising bounce back, the pandemic has reshaped travel habits and initiated discussions about the sustainability of future business travel.
Challenges of Emission Reduction in Aviation
Aviation emissions are projected to continue increasing without intervention, with current policies insufficient to significantly bend the emissions curve. The introduction of regional emissions trading schemes, like the expansion of the EU ETS to include aviation, may help manage emissions but presents complex jurisdictional challenges. However, the dominance of jet kerosene in aviation fuels underscores the ongoing reliance on traditional energy sources, with sustainable alternatives like hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuels still lacking in scale. Ultimately, achieving decarbonization will require not just technological advancements but also behavioral shifts and strategic policy implementations to create meaningful changes in the industry.
This is episode 1 of All Things Aviation, a special six-part series focusing on the dynamics, trends and outlooks in the aviation sector.
In the first episode of this Future Energy miniseries, S&P Global Commodity Insights scenarios and aviation experts Roman Kramarchuk, Paul McConnell and James Simpson set the stage, discussing the global state of aviation demand, fuel supply and Commodity Insights scenario outlooks for 2024 and beyond. What is the importance of emissions from the aviation sector in meeting (or not meeting) net-zero targets? How has the coronavirus pandemic impacted the sector? What drives demand for flying? What are the latest trends in aircraft fleets, and what are the policy constructs driving efficiency and alternative low-carbon fuels? Tune in next week for episode two of All Things Aviation, which will focus on the carbon market mechanisms that have been designed and implemented around the globe to constrain aviation emissions.
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