Aviation-caused CO2 emissions reduction efficiency in EU-28 under CORSIA compliance

Abstract

The CORSIA is an emission reduction program which is implemented by ICAO for the global air-line industry. The program aims to contribute to the implemented measures to reduce CO2 emis-sions from the international aviation network. In this regard, we aim to find out the significant factors that affect the levels of CO2 emissions in aviation and the most efficient countries in re-ducing them. Firstly, we examine 28-member countries of the EU (European Union) by using the panel data based stochastic frontier analysis and Malmquist productivity indices. The results show that the determinants affecting the emissions caused by aviation statistically significant for the pe-riod 2008-2017: Energy consumption per flight; millions of passenger-kilometers, freight and mail million tonne-kilometer; the number of commercial aircraft fleets by age groups; the number of countries’ airports; and globalization index of the related country. Moreover, efficiency scores which are obtained by stochastic frontier analysis and Malmquist productivity index differ among the countries. Eastern European countries are observed to be superior in terms of technical effi-ciency. However, there is no significant increasing or decreasing trend in technical efficiency for EU 28 countries. This result is an indication that CORSIA’s emission reduction expectations will not be realized quickly, especially when considering the extensive use of aviation in the globalized countries.