Airlines' path to net zero: the best levers for achieving rapid decarbonization gains
The Sustainability Index developed by Roland Berger and OpenAirlines assesses and compares the maturity levels of four key aviation decarbonization levers: fleet efficiency, operational practices, Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), and innovation.
Whether you're shaping strategy, evaluating investments, or simply trying to understand the realities behind aviation’s net-zero path, this report provides a concise and practical roadmap for your analysis.
Aviation's largest study to highlight the path to decarbonization
Built on the analysis of 150 airlines and millions of operational data points, it offers a holistic picture of how prepared airlines truly are to decarbonize, as well as where critical gaps remain.
Drawing on operational insights from one of the widest flight data sample groups and criteria used in such a study, it highlights which decarbonization measures deliver the quickest results, where the industry stands today, and what needs to happen next for meaningful progress.
Four levers analyzed. Four maturity curves.
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Fleet efficiency: The study exposes structural differences between airline types and regions.
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Operational practices: Often overlooked in sustainability strategies, operational improvements appear to be a decisive short-term lever. The Index evaluates the maturity of six operational practices, enabling airlines to benchmark themselves against global peers.
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SAF development: With demand rising faster than supply, SAF is becoming a battleground. The Index assesses airlines’ procurement strategies, regional challenges, and the emerging mechanisms designed to secure access and contain costs.
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Innovation: The study explores the innovation areas where airlines can unlock efficiency gains, ranging from digital tools to aircraft weight-reduction initiatives.
