December 7th • Travel & Innovation

Day of Civil Aviation

The International Day of Civil Aviation is observed on December 7th to help generate and reinforce worldwide awareness of the importance of international civil aviation to the social and economic development of States. Today, we debate the environmental impact of flying, the future of global travel, and whether flight shaming is an effective way to address the climate crisis. How can we balance our desire to see the world with our responsibility to protect it?

A sleek silver airplane wing against a clear blue sky

Speaking Discussion

How has air travel changed your life and the way you see the world? Do you remember your first flight?
In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing the aviation industry today (e.g., fuel costs, carbon emissions, safety)?
Do you think that flight shaming (feeling guilty about flying due to its environmental impact) is a helpful movement? Why or why not?
How much faith do you have in the future of zero-emission or electric flight? Do you think it will ever be a reality for long-haul travel?
What is the most effective way for frequent flyers to offset their carbon footprint? Is it enough?
If you had to design the perfect airport, what three features would it have to improve the passenger experience?

Activity 1: The future of flight Pitch

The Task: You are an Aviation Engineer. You need to pitch a new sustainable travel initiative to a group of airline executives.

What is your idea, and how will it reduce the environmental impact of flying?

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Sentences

Complete the sentence and justify it in 20 seconds.

"The best part of flying is..."
"I think flight shaming is..."
"In my opinion, the future of travel is..."

Key Vocabulary

Aviation (N) The flying or operating of aircraft.
Sustainability (N) The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level; (environmental) avoidance of the depletion of natural resources.
Innovation (N) The action or process of innovating; a new method, idea, product, etc.
Efficiency (N) The state or quality of being efficient; the ratio of the useful work performed by a machine or in a process to the total energy expended or heat taken in.
Emissions (N) The production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation.

Fluency Catalyst

The "Sky" Phrases: When talking about potential, use: "The sky is the limit," or "To have your head in the clouds."

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