You're basing your calculation on one of the densest possible configurations of the aircraft — one denser than almost every production deployment. Only one actu

You're basing your calculation on one of the densest possible configurations of the aircraft — one denser than almost every production deployment. Only one actual seat configuration exceeds your Airbus press release's density, offered by Emirates, and is nearly all economy class. Everyone else's offerings are from ~5-40% less dense, yielding comparable decreases in efficiency. [1] So, sure, the largest, most efficient jumbo we currently make has an absolute passenger-mile emissions rate lower than many cars — when it's carrying as many people as possible. You're also ignoring the fact that emissions at altitude have an increased impact. "For perspective, per passenger a typical economy-class New York to Los Angeles round trip produces about 715 kg (1574 lb) of CO₂ (but is equivalent to 1,917 kg (4,230 lb) of CO₂ when the high altitude "climatic forcing" effect is taken into account)." [2] Even the most fuel-efficient car isn't dumping tons of NOx at cruising altitude, inducing excess ozone formation. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seat_configurations_of_Airbus_A380 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seat_configurations_of_Airbus_... [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_impact_of_aviation https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_impact_of_aviati...