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Would a frequent flying tax be progressive?
In September 2022, we published a proposal for using a global frequent flying levy (FFL) to cover the estimated abatement cost of commercial aviation. Now we investigate whether this solution is progressive or regressive.

Will California rise to the Biden administration’s SAF Grand Challenge?
Although sustainable aviation fuels have faced some stumbling blocks, several measures are available to support SAF scaleup

Quick pit stops: A challenge for zero-emission planes?
Analyzes the charging and refueling speeds needed for zero-emission aircraft to match the gate turnaround times of conventional aircraft.

Sustainable aviation fuels: What does real leadership look like?
Argues that in the effort to ramp up production of sustainable aviation fuels, mandating their use is smarter than subsidizing their production.

What to expect when expecting electric airplanes
Assesses the potential of battery-powered aircraft to replace regional, narrowbody, and widebody aircraft.

Zero cheers for the supersoynic renaissance
Assesses the environmental impact of supersonic aircraft in light of U.S. support for alternative jet fuels produced from crops like soybeans.

The tortoise and the hare? The race to decarbonize aviation
Explores whether aviation emissions can be greatly reduced if air traffic returns to its pre-pandemic rapid growth.

Flying on the Grid
Argues that unless alternative aviation fuels are produced using additional and renewable electricity, their use will not necessarily decarbonize aviation and could actually increase aviation’s GHG emissions.

Hungry Hungry Airlines
Critiques the Biden Administration’s approach to development of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) and suggests an alternative path.

The bullet train to lower-carbon travel
Examines the carbon benefits of replacing some short-haul flights in the US with rail trips.

Place your bets: supersonics, or zero-emission planes?
In the high stakes casino of aircraft development, it’s time for industry and governments to place their bets. Supersonics, or zero-emission planes: which will it be?

Polishing my crystal ball: Airline traffic in 2050
Examines various long-term passenger traffic projections and how they impact aviation decarbonization roadmaps
