A number of European aviation associations have unveiled a new sustainability initiative called "Destination 2050 – A Route to Net Zero European Aviation".
According to Airports Council International (ACI) Europe, driven by a new, independent report, "Destination 2050 – A Route to Net Zero European Aviation" provides a vision and path for meaningful CO2 emission reduction efforts in Europe and globally.
The initiative is led by five European aviation associations - ACI Europe, AeroSpace and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD Europe), Airlines for Europe (A4E), Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO) and European Regions Airline Association (ERA).
The associated report was made possible by the work of the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) and SEO Amsterdam Economics.
Building on the Paris Agreement and the European Green Deal, "Destination 2050" sees all flights within and departing the EU, UK and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) realising net zero CO2 emissions by 2050.
ACI Europe stated, "The ambitious plan and related commitments laid out by Europe's airlines, airports, aerospace manufacturers and air navigation service providers shows collective leadership of the European aviation sector to reduce CO2 emissions, with the goal of making leisure and business air travel in Europe, and globally, more sustainable in the long term.
"According to the report, there is an opportunity to reach net zero CO2 emissions by 2050 through a combination of four key measures, aligning European aviation with EU climate goals - subject to securing the required supporting policy and financing framework at EU and national level."
The four measures mentioned in the above paragraph are as follows:
- improvements in aircraft and engine technologies, which could achieve emission reductions of 37%;
- using sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), which could achieve emission reductions of 34%;
- implementing economic measures, which could achieve emission reductions of 8%;
- and improvements in air traffic management (ATM) and aircraft operations, which could achieve emission reductions of 6%.
ACI Europe continued, "The 'Destination 2050' report further assumes an impact on demand due to the above measures, resulting in the net zero CO2 goal. Nevertheless, European air passenger numbers are projected to grow on average by approximately 1.4% per year between 2018 and 2050 without compromising the sector's ability to reach net zero CO2 emissions by this point.
"'Destination 2050' highlights that to make the net zero vision for European aviation by 2050 a reality while maintaining international competitiveness and aviation's benefits to society, quick, decisive joint actions by governments and industry will be needed. Industry will need to continue to substantially invest in decarbonisation and innovation and make the necessary operational transitions, while governments will need to ensure a level playing field and facilitate the transition through incentives and by reducing investment risks with consistent and stable policy frameworks.
"This is the first pan-European, industry-wide, long-term vision that comes with concrete solutions to the complex challenge of reducing CO2 emissions from commercial flights within and departing the EU, UK and EFTA."
ACI Europe Director General Statement
ACI Europe director general Olivier Jankovec stated, "The decisive and tangible actions set out in this roadmap are unprecedented. Here we have an entire sector not just committing to decarbonisation, but actually charting the path to make it happen and effectively contribute to the EU's climate objectives and the Paris Agreement. But whilst we embrace our responsibilities, it is clear that we cannot do this alone. It takes two to tango. Now we need the EU to deliver the policy and regulatory framework that will enable us to deliver net zero European aviation by 2050. We therefore urge institutional stakeholders to respond to our call and now join the EU Pact for Sustainable Aviation we tabled last November."
ASD Civil Aviation Director Statement
ASD civil aviation director Vincent De Vroey stated, "This is a pivotal moment for sustainability and innovation for many industries, including aviation. The European aviation sector will take a strong leadership and collaboration position through its strengths in innovation and technology. The achievement of the goals of this roadmap is possible provided that the EU and national governments play their part through increased public funding for civil aviation research and technology. This will also have wider benefits globally, taking into account the European aeronautics industry's global leadership."
A4E Managing Director Statement
A4E managing director Thomas Reynaert stated, "This long-planned vision and roadmap for the future of European aviation underlines our sector's commitment and determination to play our part in tackling climate change despite the current crisis. A robust regulatory framework will be paramount in achieving not only an environmentally sustainable future, but also a financially resilient and competitive European aviation industry as a whole. We remain committed to work with policymakers to take aviation forward jointly for the next generation of travellers."
CANSO Director Of European Affairs Statement
CANSO director of European affairs Tanja Grobotek stated, "The air traffic management industry and the rest of the aviation sector in Europe have come together to present a solution to our common challenge - reducing carbon emissions, while still delivering valuable economic and social benefits. With improvements across the sector, we aim to make a meaningful impact and help to achieve Europe's climate goals."
ERA Director General Statement
ERA director general Montserrat Barriga stated, "Robust economic measures and much needed government and regulatory support in the short term will be necessary to bridge the gap until innovation, technology and sustainable aviation fuels become more widely available to help our industry reach its environmental targets. Our industry wants to be a part of a clean recovery that has a lasting positive impact whilst still providing essential connectivity to Europe's citizens. We will take positive steps to make it happen."
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