Toward Aviation Zero Emissions 2050 (AZERO): A comprehensive analysis of environmental KPIs in Europe

Luis Martín-Domingo^{1, 2}; Marina Efthymiou ¹; and Miguel Mújica-Mota³

1: Dublin City University; 2: Ozyegin University; 3: Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences

Abstract

This research investigates the use of mandatory and non-mandatory environmental Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) by European airlines to comply with regulations, enhance environmental reporting, and support their commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The study examines KPIs from four mandatory schemes (EU-ETS, CORSIA, CSRD, and ReFuelEU) alongside non-mandatory KPIs sourced from ESG-related reports. Large Language Models (LLM) are used for data extraction to identify non-mandatory KPIs. The research provides a systematic analysis of how these KPIs are selected and applied by airlines.

The research deliver a comprehensive and up-to-date list of both mandatory and non-mandatory KPIs used by European airlines. It will highlight how these KPIs are utilized to support environmental claims, while also identifying issues related to the lack of standardization in airline environmental reporting.
 
 This study is the first to systematically analyze all four major regulatory schemes (EU-ETS, CORSIA, ESG, ReFuelEU) alongside non-mandatory KPIs for European airlines. It addresses the long-standing issue of standardization in environmental reporting, offering insights into improving transparency and accountability in aviation sustainability efforts and the potential of using Large Language Models (LLMs) for data extractions.

Certificate of Presentation