ACI World among the signatories to declaration bringing the global air transport industry together for climate goal
The global air transport industry has adopted a long-term climate goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050 with signatories to a joint declaration representing the world’s airlines, airports, air traffic management, and the makers of aircraft and engines.
In the declaration released today, representatives of the world’s major aviation industry associations, including ACI World, as well as the largest aircraft and engine manufacturers, committed that “global civil aviation operations will achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, supported by accelerated efficiency measures, energy transition and innovation across the aviation sector and in partnership with Governments around the world.”
“We are thrilled to see the aviation sector united in reaching this goal,” ACI World Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira said.
“ACI member airports, who committed in June 2021 to reaching net zero by 2050 for their own emissions, will be key players in facilitating this transition so the aviation system can continue to deliver economic and social benefits to the world. We look forward to collaborating with governments and the wider aviation community to help deliver these goals.”
Net zero will be reached through a combination of climate action initiatives. This includes supporting new aircraft technologies, such as hydrogen and electric, as well as improvements in operational efficiency and infrastructure.
The acceleration of the production and uptake of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is expected to play a major role in reducing the climate impact of aviation. Furthermore, any outstanding emissions would be captured using carbon removal measures.
The declaration was facilitated by the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), a coalition of organizations and companies throughout the air transport industry that drives the sustainable development of the air transport sector. The organization has also produced The Waypoint 2050 report which outlines paths for the air transport sector to reach this updated climate goal.
“The road ahead will be challenging but aviation is no stranger to challenges. This historic declaration shows the determination of the sector to work together to take this important climate action. It is now imperative that governments support these efforts to make this vital sector sustainable,” Luis Felipe de Oliveira said.
“This makes it all the more urgent that member states of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) support the adoption of a long-term climate goal at the 41st ICAO Assembly in 2022.”
Commented ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano: “The latest IPCC reports are unequivocal about the threats now posed to humanity by climate change, and I’m sure that all ICAO Member States join me today in welcoming this latest and very ambitious net-zero 2050 target adopted by the air transport industry so that our global sector will continue to do its part.”
The President’s sentiments were echoed by ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar, who stressed ICAO’s congratulations to the airline and airport operators, aircraft manufacturers, air navigation service providers, and many other industry stakeholders involved in adopting this critical and ambitious long-term climate goal.
The air industry net-zero 2050 announcement comes just days after the very strong statement on behalf of G7 transport and health ministers to work with greater determination together to promote the safe and sustainable reopening of international travel.
