Flights of Fancy?

Air travel currently generates about 3% of all 'greenhouse gas' emissions. Each jet passenger plane generates an estimated equivalent of 800,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent over its lifetime. Jet planes don't just produce enormous quantities of 'greenhouse gases', they place that gas high in the atmosphere. In spite of this, aircraft/engine producers and operators talk endlessly of their commitment to a carbon zero future (https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/jul/22/uncomfortable-day-for-aviation-as-farnborough-runway-hits-50c). How realistic is carbon zero in the world of air travel? There has been much talk of the benefits of 'Sustainable' Aviation Fuel (SAF). SAF is derived from plant material rather than extracted oil. The benefits, in terms of global heating, are limited. Burning SAF still generates carbon dioxide emissions and continues to place it in the stratosphere. The generation of this 'alternative' also requires land that, otherwise, could be used for food production. This is already a declining resource. There has also been enthusiastic talk about the hybrid electric/fossil fuel engines currently in development. These might reduce emissions but may not be suitable for long-haul flights. Hydrogen powered engines are very much in their infancy and may not prove to be a viable option. People hopefully remember that hydrogen is pretty explosive and has a somewhat checkered history in terms of airflights? The real solution, although highly unpalatable to air travel/tourism industries, is to minimise the need/demand for air travel. This could be done by making fast train travel the cheaper option for all viable short to medium distance locations. There might even be a role for a return to the use of safer dirigibles? The air industries should also not be allowed to block increasing the taxes on frequent flyers. They should also pay full taxes on any sort of fuel (SAF or otherwise). Technological solutions may be possible, in the future. Currently, however, we urgently need fewer planes and fewer air passengers. Otherwise, there may well be nowhere to go!