Assessing the Carbon Footprint and Carbon Mitigation Measures of a Major Full-Service Network Airline: A Case Study of Singapore Airlines

Abstract

In this qualitative longitudinal case study, Singapore Airlines carbon footprint is examined for the period covering the company’s 2010/11 to 2021/22 financial years. The study’s qualitative data was examined by document analysis. The case study found that Singapore Airline’s carbon footprint is comprised of its Scope 1 direct emissions that are produced from the provision of its passenger and air cargo services together with the carbon dioxide (CO2) emission produced from the ground service equipment and vehicles used in its ground operations. The carbon footprint also includes its Scope 2 indirect emissions, which are produced from the airline’s consumption of electricity at its Singapore hub. Singapore Airlines has implemented a very comprehensive environmental policy and has pledged to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The largest source of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions is from the airline’s passenger services. Singapore Airlines has implemented extensive carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions reduction measures that have focused on the reduction in aircraft weight, and highly efficient fuel management procedures. Other key carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions reduction measures include improved operational procedures, the optimization of air space management in collaboration with key air traffic control agencies, the use of cleaner energy vehicles, an extensive range of energy efficiency measures in its buildings and facilities, the use of sustainable aviation fuels, and the use of more energy efficient ground power sources. In addition, the acquisition and operation of the state-of-the art, next generation aircraft, such as the Airbus A350-900XWB and the Boeing 787-10 have helped the airline to mitigate its carbon footprint.