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Mark Shriner's avatar

A couple of recently released reports suggest that airlines could greatly reduce carbon emissions by eliminating business class. https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexledsom/2026/02/26/aviation-carbon-study-suggests-its-time-to-scrap-business-class/

Paul Mottram's avatar

Sure, but how could they justify that to shareholders? Commercial suicide. Enlightened airlines (CX, Qantas, for example) are being upfront about netzero being conditional on technologies that aren't ready yet (competitively priced SAF, battery power, etc) AND committing resources towards development of those technologies. Not nearly enough, many would argue, so that's why market-oriented regulation like a higher price on carbon comes in...

Mark Shriner's avatar

Well, maybe the lower carbon footprint could be a major loyalty driver. Airlines like Air France (only 3 percent of seats are business class) or many budget airlines are doing fine without business class seats. I think what you are suggesting is that airlines do a better job of communicating the reasons for their failure to reach their carbon targets and what they plan to do in the future. What I'm suggesting is that they find a better way to achieve those targets. PR vs. ?

Paul Mottram's avatar

Yes, I am saying that but not only that. As I write in my piece, what companies do us more important than what they say. Sail that boat over here and let's discuss over beers!

Mark Shriner's avatar

That is the plan.