Article Link: https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2023/02/16/lufthansa-green-fares-boost-airline-sustainability/11271402002/
I found the above article really interesting as they spoke about the ongoing issues of air pollution and an increase in CO2 emissions from airplanes over time. The article talks about the Lufthansa Group’s new project of Greener fares as a way to reduce carbon emissions and fund sustainable aviation fuel.
Even though it is definitely a step in the positive direction, to some extent I believe that companies, especially in the airline industry that have such high maintenance and running costs might take advantage of greenwashing in order to increase sales. The green fare is set to provide passengers with additional benefits such as a free check-in bag and priority boarding.
Environmental advocates also raised the issue of how airline companies are unable to stick to their current emission rate or reduce it, which therefore results in the question “Is this really true or are companies just using sustainability as a revenue-driving factor?”
I personally feel that in today’s age due to the impact of covid-19 and other country restrictions airlines have already hiked their prices in order to meet their running costs and consumers even though they might practice sustainability, they may not be willing to pay that additional green fare fee due to the already existing high prices.
Having said that, the Lufthansa group is taking a step in the right direction which will definitely have an impact in the long run. Given that sustainable aviation fuel exists the airline industry should make use of such fuel and practices mandatory over time and eliminate the option soon for normal fairs just having green fairs would help reduce CO2 emissions drastically. However, this can only be done if the rule is mandatory for all companies leaving no one at any disadvantage.
EmilyNold
February 21, 2023 — 4:25 pm
Hi Karan – interesting article!
Do you think you would pay an extra $50 for a flight ticket for a green fare? I don’t know if I would… I was also thinking about the entire system – does it makes sense to have a few eco-friendly consumers bear the cost of sustainability in the airline industry?
“According to Lufthansa, 20% of the cost of a green fare goes towards sustainable aviation fuel and the remaining 80% goes toward carbon offsetting projects” (USA Today, 2023).
In my mind, this is Lufthansa trying to decrease the amount they have to pay in sustainability costs themselves and pass the costs onto the consumer. But, I also understand that the airline industry isn’t doing great right now – so maybe consumer support is needed to actually make these changes happen.
It still feels unfair for green conscious consumers to pay significantly more than the majority of consumers. Why not just raise all the prices a little bit?
Curious your thoughts!
kkochh01
April 8, 2023 — 3:03 pm
Hi Emily
Yes, I definitely agree with your thoughts on increasing all of the prices a little bit as that would be be only fair for every consumer to pay the same fair and help towards sustainability.