IATA highlights needs for consistent cabin waste management practices

IATA reported (21-Feb-2025) the following cabin waste figures based on an audit of 25 inbound flights to Singapore Changi Airport between Nov-2023 and Mar-2024:

• Average cabin waste: 237.3kg per flight and 0.94kg per passenger;
• Short haul flights: 148kg per flight;
• Medium haul flights: 209kg per flight;
• Long haul flights: 301.1kg per flight and 1.22kg per passenger. Long haul flights produced about twice as much waste per passenger than short haul flights and roughly 33% more than medium haul flights. Waste decreased 15% compared to an audit of 14 long haul flights to London Heathrow Airport in 2014 (354.7kg per flight and 1.43kg per passenger).

IATA stated: "The variation in cabin waste across different flight types highlights the need for consistent waste management practices, including a common cabin waste analysis methodology that allows for data to be defined, monitored, and recorded in a regular and uniform manner. Although progress has been made, achieving a circular economy in cabin waste will require additional and ongoing efforts, which incorporate regulatory approaches that facilitate the implementation of zero-waste to landfill practices". [more - original PR]