Debate: Swedes Shouldn't Feel Ashamed of Flying

Swedes believe that flying is more harmful to the climate than it actually is. There is a need to clearly explain the reality, writes Martin Wänblom.

DEBATE. As vacation time approaches, many choose to fly to their destinations. According to statistics from the Swedish Transport Agency, the number of air travelers to and from Swedish airports is over 30 million per year, with the average Swede flying 2.8 times annually. This makes Swedes among the most frequent flyers globally, second only to Americans. A significant factor is Sweden's northern geographical location surrounded by seas.

Flying from Stockholm to Berlin takes less than two hours, and to Paris, just under three hours. The alternative is the train, which takes 15 hours to Berlin and almost a day to Paris, a daunting travel time for most. However, the train from Berlin to Paris takes only 8 hours, which is more manageable. On the continent, distances are more train-friendly.

Swedes simply need to fly to avoid being isolated and should not feel ashamed for doing so.

At GKN Aerospace, we work on developing aircraft engine parts. Our main task is to make flying as sustainable as possible. We achieve this by developing engines that consume less fuel, weigh less, and can operate on environmentally friendly fuel alternatives.

Sweden thrives by being a natural part of the continent and the rest of the world.

We were curious about two things: the public's perception of the proportion of greenhouse gases they believe flying contributes to, and whether Swedes purchase environmental add-ons for their flights.

A study we commissioned from Novus shows a significant gap between what Swedes believe and the reality. The perception of flying is much worse for the climate than it actually is.

Over half believe that flying accounts for more than 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. According to the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), aviation globally accounts for about 2-3% of climate-impacting emissions. We can conclude that Swedes have a significantly incorrect view of aviation's actual climate impact.

When purchasing a flight ticket, several airlines offer the option to buy an environmental add-on. The price varies but averages a few hundred kronor, which goes towards purchasing either emission allowances or a certain amount of sustainable aviation fuel made from, for example, cooking oil or organic waste.

In response to Novus's question about whether they have purchased an environmental add-on, 20% said they have. However, airlines' own figures show that fewer than 5% take advantage of this option.

Swedes may overestimate their belief in purchasing environmental add-ons because they may not actually know if they have bought it or not. Thirty percent said they did not know if they had purchased an environmental add-on. Therefore, many might think the add-on is included in the regular ticket price.

Obvious Need

Novus's survey shows an obvious and necessary need to clearly explain to Swedes the actual climate impact of flying. Comparatively, road traffic accounts for 31% of Sweden's total carbon dioxide emissions, and the construction and real estate sector for about 20%.

At the same time, flying—like everything else in our modern society—has a climate impact, and we can all help reduce it. GKN Aerospace contributes by collaborating with other companies in the aviation industry to develop more climate-smart engines, such as various hybrid solutions where electric motors are integrated with traditional aircraft engine concepts.

Sweden and Swedes should not isolate themselves; we should continue to fly. In this way, we gain new influences and impressions that have been successful contributions to our society's development. However, we should fly as climate-friendly as possible. We in the aviation industry are working towards a constant development towards reduced climate impact. Travelers can contribute by increasing their flying and thus filling the planes, but with tickets that have environmental add-ons.

Sweden thrives by being a natural part of the continent and the rest of the world. We should not feel flight shame for this.

By Martin Wänblom

CEO, GKN Aerospace Sweden