A global fleet of composite planes such as the 787 and A350 could reduce carbon emissions by up to 15%, but the lighter planes alone will not enable the aviation industry to meet its emissions targets, according to a recent study. Shown is the Boeing 787 built in South Carolina rolling out of its hangar. A global fleet of composite planes could reduce carbon emissions by up to 15%, according to new research by the University of Sheffield , University of Cambridge , and UCL (University College London). Experts predict that global air traffic will increase four-fold between now and 2050. Changing to the lighter materials could avoid 500 million t of CO 2 emissions in 2050 alone, a value researchers say roughly corresponds to current emissions levels. The study is said to be the first to carry out a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) of a composite plane, such as the Boeing Dreamliner 787 or Airbus 350, and extrapolate the results to the global fleet. The LCA covers manufacture