Aviation Industry Unites To Adopt 2050 Net Zero Carbon Goal

ACI World among the signatories to declaration bringing the global air transport industry together for climate goal

Boston, 5 October 2021 – 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.”

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1. Read the industry declaration Commitment to Fly Net Zero 2050.

2. More information about the long-term carbon goal for the airport industry.

3. View The Waypoint 2050 report by the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), which outlines potential pathways to achieve net zero carbon emissions in aviation.

4. Airports Council International (ACI), the trade association of the world’s airports, was founded in 1991 with the objective of fostering cooperation among its member airports and other partners in world aviation, including the International Civil Aviation Organization, the International Air Transport Association and the Civil Air Navigation Services Organization. In representing the best interests of airports during key phases of policy development, ACI makes a significant contribution toward ensuring a global air transport system that is safe, secure, customer-centric and environmentally sustainable. As of January 2021, ACI serves 701 members, operating 1933 airports in 183 countries. ACI members cover approximately 95% of the world’s scheduled passenger traffic.

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