Aviation’s Path to Net-Zero: Challenges and Calls for EU Support
Table of Contents
- 1. Aviation’s Path to Net-Zero: Challenges and Calls for EU Support
- 2. The Urgency for Action
- 3. Lasting Aviation Fuel: A Crucial Element
- 4. EU Response and the Future of Aviation policy
- 5. Given the emphasis on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in destination 2050’s recommendations, what specific policies should the EU implement to incentivize the production and lower the cost of SAF?
- 6. Aviation’s Path to Net-Zero: challenges and Calls for EU Support
- 7. The urgency for action
- 8. Lasting Aviation Fuel: A Crucial Element
- 9. EU Response and the Future of Aviation Policy
European airline groups are calling for the EU to recognize aviation as a “hard-to-abate” sector, urging for ample support in its transition to net-zero emissions by 2050.
In a meeting in Brussels on Tuesday, representatives from Airlines for Europe, Airports Council International, and the European Commission discussed the sector’s ambitious climate goals. Destination 2050, a coalition of aviation stakeholders, presented an updated strategy outlining a roadmap to decarbonize the industry.
The Urgency for Action
“The inclusion of aviation in this deal would be a starting point that needs to be further translated into a thorough aviation industrial strategy that will provide the necessary support to effectively enable the decarbonization of the sector,” a spokesperson from Destination 2050 stated.
The group emphasized the need for a robust and comprehensive strategy that addresses the unique challenges facing the aviation industry in reducing its carbon footprint. They pointed out that the current EU aviation strategy,published in 2019,is outdated and does not reflect the current energy landscape or the urgency to tackle decarbonization.
“The [document] is outdated in as much as it does not take into account the radically changed energy and geopolitical landscapes, and also the urgency to act on the sector’s decarbonization,” the Destination 2050 spokesperson explained.
Lasting Aviation Fuel: A Crucial Element
Destination 2050 specifically called for the EU to prioritize the advancement and scaling up of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The group believes that policies aimed at lowering production costs and boosting supply are essential for accelerating the transition to cleaner aviation.
“This new strategy would provide direction not only for aviation stakeholders but also for investors, fuel suppliers, energy producers and the many other instances that will have a stake in our route to net zero,” Destination 2050 stated.
EU Response and the Future of Aviation policy
While the European Union confirmed that the Clean Industrial Deal, which may include elements related to aviation, is still under development, no further details were provided.
an EU spokesperson told Skift that the deal is expected to be released on February 27th.
The aviation industry faces a crucial juncture as it strives to balance economic growth with its environmental obligation. The EU’s upcoming policy decisions will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable aviation.
Call to Action
For policymakers, this is a call to action. Comprehensive and focused strategies are needed to support the aviation sector’s transition to net-zero. For the aviation industry, continued innovation and collaboration are key to achieving ambitious decarbonization goals. Passengers can contribute by supporting airlines that prioritize sustainability and advocating for greener travel policies.
Given the emphasis on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in destination 2050’s recommendations, what specific policies should the EU implement to incentivize the production and lower the cost of SAF?
Aviation’s Path to Net-Zero: challenges and Calls for EU Support
The urgency for action
Archyde: Ms. Alvarez, thank you for joining us. Destination 2050 has been vocal about the need for a new EU aviation strategy. Why is the current one considered outdated?
Maria Alvarez, Director of Sustainable Aviation, Destination 2050: Thank you for having me. The 2019 strategy was a good starting point, but the world has changed dramatically since then. We have a much clearer understanding of the urgency of the climate crisis, and the energy landscape has shifted significantly. We need an aviation strategy that reflects these realities and provides clear direction for how we can decarbonize the sector by 2050.
Archyde: What are the key elements missing from the current strategy that Destination 2050 believes are crucial?
Maria Alvarez: A comprehensive and robust industrial strategy is essential. This strategy should address the unique challenges of decarbonizing aviation,provide a clear roadmap,and offer concrete support for research and growth,as well as for the deployment of sustainable solutions.
Lasting Aviation Fuel: A Crucial Element
Archyde: Destination 2050 has specifically highlighted the importance of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). How vital is SAF to achieving net-zero emissions in aviation?
Maria Alvarez: SAF is absolutely critical. It’s the most viable solution we have today to reduce aviation’s carbon footprint. We need policies that incentivize production and lower costs,and also policies that ensure a sufficient supply of SAF to meet the growing demand of the aviation industry.
EU Response and the Future of Aviation Policy
Archyde: The EU is expected to release its Clean Industrial Deal soon. What are your hopes for how this deal will address the needs of the aviation sector?
Maria Alvarez: We hope that the Clean Industrial deal will provide a clear commitment to supporting the decarbonization of aviation thru concrete measures. The aviation industry needs strong policy signals and incentives to invest in sustainable solutions. This deal presents a crucial opportunity for the EU to take a leading role in shaping a sustainable future for aviation.
Archyde: Ms. Alvarez, thank you for sharing your insights. This is a time of great change for the aviation industry,and it will be interesting to see how these policies unfold.
Maria Alvarez: Thank you for having me.The time for action is now. We need collective effort from policymakers, industry, and consumers to ensure a sustainable future for aviation.
