A1 Journal article (refereed)
The Impacts of COVID-19 on Domestic Aviation in Finland and the Potential Role of Electric Aircraft for a Green Recovery (2025)


Baumeister, S., Leung, A., & Ryley, T. (2025). The Impacts of COVID-19 on Domestic Aviation in Finland and the Potential Role of Electric Aircraft for a Green Recovery. Transportation Research Procedia, 82, 660-673. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trpro.2024.12.065


JYU authors or editors


Publication details

All authors or editorsBaumeister, Stefan; Leung, Abraham; Ryley, Tim

Journal or seriesTransportation Research Procedia

ISSN2352-1457

eISSN2352-1465

Publication year2025

Publication date09/01/2025

Volume82

Pages range660-673

PublisherElsevier

Publication countryNetherlands

Publication languageEnglish

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.trpro.2024.12.065

Publication open accessOpenly available

Publication channel open accessOpen Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX)https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/99426


Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a major downturn in the aviation industry that has not only affected international flights but also domestic aviation. Airlines have adjusted their timetables accordingly, but load factors have remained low. This has resulted in a loss of profitability and a large increase of greenhouse gas emissions of individual air passengers. In order to prevent airlines from closing routes, governments have provided subsidies. However, these subsidies are in sharp contrast with the climate goals of many countries. This study explores the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the domestic aviation sector in Finland based on actual passenger and landing data. It takes the changes in environmental impacts resulting from the demand shift cause by the pandemic into account. In addition, this study considers the replacement of existing aircraft with those powered electrically, in order to address the significant drop in demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic and provide an alternative for a green recovery from the pandemic. Finally, based on our findings we provide a series of policy recommendations.


KeywordsCOVID-19air trafficaviation sectorelectric airplanesclimate changesgreen transition

Free keywordsclimate change; aviation industry; COVID-19; load factor; electric aircraft; green recovery


Contributing organizations


Ministry reportingYes

VIRTA submission year2025

Preliminary JUFO rating1


Last updated on 2025-25-01 at 20:05