Introduction

When sustainability in aviation is discussed, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is often at the centre of the conversation. Its potential role in reducing lifecycle carbon emissions makes it an important part of the industry’s long-term environmental strategy.

However, sustainable aviation does not begin and end with fuel.

The way aircraft are maintained, planned and operated also influences environmental performance. Improvements in operational efficiency can reduce unnecessary fuel consumption, optimize the use of existing aircraft and resources, and support more efficient operations throughout the aircraft lifecycle.

For operators, this creates an important connection between two objectives that are sometimes considered separately: operational excellence and environmental responsibility.

Sustainability Requires Multiple Solutions

There is no single measure capable of addressing aviation’s environmental impact.

ICAO’s approach to achieving its long-term goal of net-zero carbon emissions from international aviation by 2050 is therefore based on a combination of measures. These include new aircraft technologies, cleaner energy sources such as SAF, operational improvements and market-based measures. Operational efficiency is particularly relevant because improvements can often be implemented using aircraft and infrastructure that are already in service.

ICAO identifies improved operations as an important contributor to reducing aviation emissions in the short to medium term, complementing longer-term developments in aircraft technology and cleaner energy. This means sustainability is also influenced by decisions being made across aviation operations today.

Efficiency and Environmental Performance Are Closely Connected

In its simplest form, greater efficiency means achieving an operational objective while using fewer unnecessary resources. In aviation, fuel provides one of the clearest examples. Reducing unnecessary fuel consumption simultaneously lowers operating costs and CO₂ emissions. ICAO describes this relationship as a significant advantage of operational improvements: environmental benefits achieved through reduced fuel consumption can also produce financial benefits for operators.

There are numerous opportunities throughout an aircraft’s operation.

Improved flight planning, aircraft weight management, more efficient taxi procedures, optimized flight trajectories and better coordination between aviation stakeholders can all contribute to lower fuel consumption. ICAO’s guidance also explicitly identifies maintenance enhancements among the operational strategies available for reducing fuel burn and emissions.

Sustainability therefore becomes closely connected with everyday operational decision-making.

The Role of Maintenance and Technical Management

Aircraft maintenance is first and foremost governed by safety and airworthiness requirements. However, effective maintenance can also contribute indirectly and directly to operational efficiency. A well-maintained aircraft is better positioned to operate as intended, while effective maintenance planning can reduce avoidable disruptions and allow technical resources to be used more efficiently.

ICAO’s environmental guidance includes maintenance-related measures among its broader operational opportunities, including maintenance procedures associated with aircraft weight management and maintaining engine efficiency.

The environmental contribution of technical management should therefore not be exaggerated, but neither should it be ignored.

For operators, effective continuing airworthiness management helps coordinate maintenance requirements, monitor aircraft condition, manage components and anticipate technical needs. Better planning can reduce unnecessary disruption and support more efficient use of aircraft, maintenance capacity and resources.

Aircraft Availability Matters Too

Operational efficiency also depends on having aircraft available when they are required.

Unexpected technical events can create consequences beyond the affected aircraft itself. Schedule disruption may require replacement capacity, repositioning, additional ground activity or changes elsewhere in the operation.

Not every disruption can be prevented. Aviation is far too complex for that. But proactive maintenance planning and effective technical oversight can help operators identify requirements earlier and make better-informed decisions.

This creates a broader understanding of sustainability: using existing assets intelligently and avoiding inefficiency wherever reasonably possible.

Small Improvements Across a Large System

One individual efficiency measure may appear relatively minor when considered in isolation.

Across thousands of aircraft and millions of flights, however, incremental improvements can become significant. ICAO’s 2025 Environmental Report highlights operational improvements across areas including flight paths, aircraft weight management, ground procedures and new technologies as contributors to reducing fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.

This is why environmental performance should not be considered solely through major technological breakthroughs.
New aircraft, new propulsion technologies and SAF will remain essential parts of aviation’s long-term transition. At the same time, the industry can continue improving the way existing aircraft are managed and operated.

Sustainability Through Better Operations

For aviation businesses, environmental and commercial efficiency increasingly point in the same direction.

Reducing unnecessary fuel consumption, improving planning, maintaining reliable aircraft and using technical resources efficiently can simultaneously support operational performance, cost management and environmental objectives.

At Arpiem, our work in continuing airworthiness management and technical support contributes to this wider operational environment by helping operators plan effectively, maintain oversight of their aircraft and make informed technical decisions.

Sustainable aviation will require significant technological and energy developments in the decades ahead. But environmental responsibility also exists in the decisions being made today. Sometimes, operating more sustainably simply begins with operating more efficiently.