EU Airline Groups Want Strategy to Achieve NZE Targets

Captains of the Europe’s aviation sector called on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday to set out an aviation strategy that reflects the essential role aviation plays in Europe’s economy and global competitiveness.

This aviation strategy must implement the recommendations of former Italian prime minister and European Central Bank president Mario Draghi presented to the European Commission in September last year.

The representatives from Airlines for Europe (A4E), along with Airports Council International (ACI), Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD), air navigation services group CANSO, and the European Regions Airline Association (ERRA) , informed von der Leyen during the meeting that the Mario Draghi’s  recommendations will aid the sector’s transition to net zero by 2050.

They have also set out a list of policy recommendations addressed to the European Commission — alongside an update to their flagship decarbonisation roadmap entitled “Destination 2050 — A Route to Net Zero European Aviation.”

The updated roadmap demonstrate that the time was ripe to act now as aviation can achieve net zero through a combination of improvements in aircraft and engine technologies; rolling out Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF); optimising air traffic management and aircraft operations; and economic measures.

The report also said that SAF and aircraft and engine technology will account for 83% of emissions reductions by 2050.

All of this requires the Commission to step up and deliver the support to supplement the efforts of industry through implementing an EU industrial strategy for SAF together with mechanisms to rapidly bring down its cost and ensure the Clean Industrial Deal and the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (STIP) reflect the strategic importance of aviation in Europe.

Supporting research and innovation to facilitate less fuel burn through programmes such as Clean Aviation for new aircraft technologies and SESAR for air traffic management.

Efficient Policy Measures Needed

According to the representatives of the airline groups, with efficient EU policy measures, they can secure aviation’s vital and strategic importance and continue driving social and economic progress throughout Europe.

The new Destination 2050 report showed that the European aviation industry has a clear and actionable pathway to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, but urgent action must happen now. It is critical the European Commission delivers an aviation strategy this year, grounded in decarbonisation and maintaining competitiveness, they said.

“The European Commission must seize the opportunity to place aviation at the centre of the Clean Industrial Deal and STIP, while simplifying the regulatory burden and ensuring a supportive regulatory and investment framework. There’s not a moment to lose and acting today will ensure a strong, competitive and more sustainable aviation industry for tomorrow,” they added.