There are now 8,040 million inhabitants in the world. Of these, 4.35 billion will get on a plane this year; (or, rather, 4.35 billion air tickets will be issued this year).
Most conversations about airplanes with travelers of a certain age tend to end with a comment like “flying has become an uncomfortable and unpleasant experience.” Airport overcrowding, delays and the humiliating feeling of being treated like cattle have lashed out at former plane enthusiasts.
However, these claims falter in summer vigils. Travel agencies have almost recovered the level of 2019, the pre-pandemic year. The 300 IATA airlines expect to pocket a total of 10,000 million euros in 2023.
How to explain this contradiction between the air fatigue of the population and the increase in the number of flights and passengers? Well, in several ways. On the one hand, there are the young people of the low-cost generation, who consider it normal to be treated like a herd. On the other hand, these and other people feel the irrepressible impulse to discover the world. Then there are also those willing to take any penalty in order to freshen up their Instagram with exotic views.
Aviation is responsible for 2.5% of global carbon emissions. IATA knows this and has a plan to reach zero emissions by 2050, betting on sustainable fuels, electric or hydrogen-powered aircraft. great idea But achieving this goal would cost the European aviation industry 800,000 million euros earmarked for renewal. Let’s see where they come from.
Orson Welles said that flying produced two sensations: boredom and terror. Today I might add a third: bad conscience.
