Almost half of companies have cut the level of flights for business in the economic downturn of the past two years, a new study shows.
The report from the conservation organisation WWF claims that findings suggest that future business flying will not return to pre-recessionary levels as businesses make a permanent commitment to fly less.
The research published today found that 47% of companies have reduced the number of business flights they have taken in the last two years.
Of these, 85% said they don’t intend to return to ‘business as usual’ flying.
The report found that 86% of companies are either reducing their carbon footprint from business travel or intend to do so.
Sixty three per cent of companies that responded have a policy in place to reduce business flights, or are intending to develop one.
The report, ‘Moving on: why flying less means more for business’, found that nearly all companies who have reduced their flying say it’s possible to stay profitable and competitive while flying less.
The main benefits cited by businesses of changing travel practices were cost savings and reduced carbon emissions, followed by the ability to work during travel disruptions, having less staff away from the office and greater staff productivity.
The switch away from flying – which saw 87% of companies surveyed increasing the use of audio-conferencing, with video and web-conferencing use increasing by 75% and 63% respectively – was reportedly driven from the top with businesses making board-level decisions to reduce business flights.
Changes flying patterns were also emerged in the research with domestic and short-haul flights proving easier to cut for businesses than long-haul trips.
Improvements to the UK and European rail networks have resulting in a modal shift from aircraft to trains.
Businesses backed investment in a more affordable and efficient rail network in the UK and Europe.
There was also widespread support in for nationwide high-speed broadband and tax incentives to boost videoconferencing and other corporate green initiatives, the research found.
WWF campaigns director David Norman said: “Even as business picks up after the recession, companies are holding on to the gains they made by cutting flights during the downturn.
“Many have found that cutting business flights can be both good for the planet and good for business.
“Businesses get it – they can fly less and still be profitable and competitive.
“Government should support these findings by investing in high-speed broadband, backing tax incentives for videoconferencing and improving and investing in the rail network. The notion that people have to fly more to grow their business has been firmly grounded.”
The report forms part of a WWF ‘One in Five Challenge’ which helps companies and government cut their costs as well as their carbon emissions from business travel.
Participants commit to cut 20% of their business flights within five years.