Each new generation of aircraft reduces CO2 emissions by up to 25%. However, this alone is not enough to limit overall CO2 emissions. Air traffic is growing and continues to require fossil fuels. Aviation is still a long way from developing an electric or hydrogen engine for large aircraft. The situation is different in the case of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). It can easily be used in aircraft and is a real alternative to fossil kerosene. The significantly lower net CO2 balance makes it possible to permanently reduce emissions during flight operations. SAF is produced by mixing conventional (fossil-based) kerosene with renewable hydrocarbons.
In 2011, the Lufthansa Group achieved pioneering work by being the first airline worldwide to test the use of biofuel in regular flight operations over a period of around six months.
