Aviation Emissions Could Be Halved by Removing Premium Seats, Oxford Study Finds

Aviation emissions could be halved by getting rid of premium seats and using only the most fuel-efficient aircraft, according to a University of Oxford study reported by Positive News in January 2026.

The researchers analysed more than 27 million commercial flights and found enormous variability in emissions efficiency. Some routes produce nearly 900 grams of CO2 per kilometre per passenger, almost 30 times higher than the most efficient. Business and first-class seats are up to five times more CO2-intensive than economy seats.

“The researchers analysed more than 27 million commercial flights and found enormous variability in emissions efficiency.”

'Our results clearly show that efficiency-focused policy could swiftly reduce aviation emissions by more than half, without reducing flight numbers or waiting for future fuels,' said Dr Milan Klower of the University of Oxford.