After the COVID pandemic, noise and emissions of European aviation have resumed their growth, although at a slower rate than passenger kilometres (
). The average grams CO2 per passenger kilometre (gCO2/pkm) was 83 in 2023, against 89 in 2019, equivalent to an average 2.1% per annum fuel efficiency improvement since 2005. It could continue decreasing down to 56 gCO2/pkm (or 2.2 litres fuel per 100 passenger kilometres) in 2050 under the considered fuel efficiency improvement scenario for future aircraft deliveries and ATM improvements scenario. NOX emissions have grown faster than CO2 since 2009 and are expected to continue to do so without further improvement in engine technology.
