Research and analysis

Operational efficiencies for aviation decarbonisation

This report identifies interventions to improve operational efficiencies that could deliver carbon savings in aviation in the near to medium term.

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Operational efficiencies for aviation decarbonisation

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Details

A consortium led by KPMG and including Mott MacDonald and City of London University undertook a literature review and stakeholder engagement to identify measures that could improve efficiency in the near to medium term. 

The project identified 23 potential interventions that could deliver carbon savings across aircraft, airspace and airport operations.

The report aimed to increase knowledge of interventions and technologies available in the aviation sector to achieve carbon savings from aircraft, airspace and airport operations.  

The study reviewed over 150 sources and engaged more than 30 stakeholders from across the aviation spectrum through surveys, interviews and workshops to identify a range of measures. A multi-criteria analysis considered a range of factors related to each potential intervention to prioritise each, including: 

  • carbon abatement potential 
  • deliverability 
  • durability 
  • environmental impact 
  • social impact   

The report was commissioned and funded by the Department for Transport, but the opinions expressed within the report are solely those of the authors.  

Findings: 

The project identified 23 measures which were considered to be viable following the multi-criteria analysis. Examples include: 

  • optimising flight plans 
  • electrifying ground support equipment 
  • improving airport buildings’ energy efficiency 
  • delivering continuous descent and approaches in terminal airspace 

No new interventions were identified, but it was recommended that some be accelerated. It was noted that this may need greater collaboration between different actors in the aviation sector and in some instances financial investment.

The report was commissioned and funded by the Department for Transport, but the opinions expressed within the report are solely those of the authors.

Updates to this page

Published 16 December 2025

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