By reducing premium, long-haul and frequent flying, while making the most of rail journeys and virtual collaboration, companies, travellers and public authorities can innovate purposeful travel and see benefits for business, society and the planet.
Changes from the biggest flyers can shift the dial. Rethinking travel to prioritise quality over quantity, sustainable connectivity and productivity will pave the way for the mobility of the future.
20-25% of all air travel is corporate travel
46% rise in private jet emissions between 2019 and 2023
Long-haul flights make up less than 10% of European flying, but more than 50% of its emissions
Business travellers make up some 12% of passengers, but up to 75% of revenues on certain flights, so their choices have important leverage on the aviation industry. By reducing flying emissions by 50% or more by 2030 compared to 2019 levels, and voicing demand for clean travel options, businesses have a unique opportunity to influence the acceleration of sustainable aviation and improved rail services.
Private jets produce on average 10 times more emissions per passenger than commercial planes, and up to 50 times more than trains, while primarily being used by the wealthiest 1%. Fair taxation and replacement by more sustainable alternatives like rail or commercial flights, offer effective ways to reduce the excessive use of private flights, while ensuring that users can be part of the solution by contributing to investment in cleaner fuels and aircraft.
Reduction of these flights by 12% could cut global aviation emissions by up to 50%. Fair taxation, reducing frequent flying and choosing more sustainable options such as closer locations including those reachable by train, can significantly reduce climate impacts in a targeted way, prioritising where needed while minimising unnecessary flights.
Rail plays a vital role in shifting travel from air to more sustainable transport options. To achieve this, companies should encourage rail travel by implementing a clear rail travel policy that facilitates train journeys for employees. This could include options such as prioritising rail for certain routes or booking first-class tickets to enhance productivity on the train.
Know more about how recent policy developments impact premium, long-haul, frequent flying and rail travel.
