The Golden Age of Rail Returns, and it’s Sustainable

Under increasing pressure to cut its environmental impact, the aviation sector is pinning its hopes on sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) as a solution. According to NASA, blending 50% biofuels into jet fuel could reduce air pollution by up to 70%.

The European Union is now mandating a minimum 2% SAF blend by 2025 – rising to 70% by 2050 – but the industry faces stark headwinds; SAF remains costly and global supply is limited. Meanwhile, demand for air travel continues to climb, outpacing the efficiency gains made so far. Aviation accounts for 2.5% of global CO2 emissions – hardly a minor figure in an era of climate reckoning.

By contrast, rail transport is undergoing a quiet revolution, offering a far more scalable and immediate solution. The International Energy Agency reports that rail accounts for only 1% of transport-related emissions globally. Electrified trains emit up to 75% less carbon than planes or cars, yet trains carry just 8% of global passengers and 7% of freight. There’s vast untapped potential.

Around the globe, governments are investing in modern rail systems – electrified, hydrogen-powered and high-speed – designed to reduce reliance on fossil fuels while offering a more comfortable and superior travel experience. Europe, long a leader in sustainable travel, is laying new tracks now, but progress hasn’t been seamless. Despite the EU’s Green Deal ambitions, aviation continues to benefit from tax-free fuel, while rail suffers from fragmented networks and uneven subsidies. This could soon change with the recently announced Starline, a proposed 400 km/h rail network connecting 39 major European cities and backed by a coalition of countries, including Finland, Germany, Italy and Portugal.

This sleek system could reduce short-haul flights by up to 80% according to its designers 21^st Europe, and deliver travel times 30% faster than existing options, without the hassle of airports.