Physical Internet in Passenger Air Transport to Decrease Emissions – A Concept

Curbing CO2 emissions to combat climate change may be a defining challenge for the generation ahead. Due to their ecological footprint, rich countries have special responsibilities in this area. We present an innovative idea to deploy the evolving concept of the Physical Internet for the functioning of passenger air transport, in order to increase resource efficiency and reduce emissions from the sector. We argue that due to an already tight integration of this sector and development of technology it is achievable. Thanks to the cost-saving opportunities of implementing the concept, it may be beneficial for airlines. We calculate that the implementation of Physical Internet in the EU may reduce total emissions of passenger air transport by 9.3 Mt (13.5%) compared to peak consumption year of 2019. Our research presents a concept, on this level it does not involve modelling, which could be the next stage of the research