Pilot Katie Thompson advocates for reducing aviation emissions

Pilot Katie Thompson, founder of the educational project Bumprints, is highlighting the environmental impact of the aviation industry. Thompson, who previously flew for NetJets, argues that airlines often prioritize profit over sustainability, particularly through the maintenance of luxury business classes.

According to Thompson, studies suggest that aviation emissions could be reduced by half if luxury travel options were eliminated. She notes that aviation is responsible for approximately 2.5 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, a figure that has quadrupled since the 1960s.

Thompson also points to the visual impact of contrails, suggesting that if they appeared black instead of white, the public might better grasp the pollution caused by aircraft, which includes soot, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur oxides in addition to water vapor.