IATA Presents Roadmaps to Guide and Accelerate Net Zero Goals in Aviation

Photo source: IATA.

In efforts to accelerate actions that will help the aviation industry achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) presented recently a set of roadmaps to serve as guidance and reference points.

The detailed step-by-step guidelines concern achieving net zero goals in aircraft technology, energy infrastructure, operations, finance, and policy.

“The roadmaps are the first detailed assessment of the key steps necessary to accelerate the transition to net zero by 2050. The roadmaps are not just for airlines. Governments, suppliers, and financiers cannot be spectators in aviation’s decarbonization journey,” said IATA Director General Willie Walsh, during the 79th IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Istanbul, Turkey.

IATA Director General Willie Walsh.

In response to the news, Airports Council International (ACI) World welcomed the initiative and reiterated its calls for continued collaboration between aviation stakeholders.

“We congratulate IATA on the launch of the Net Zero Roadmaps and welcome their ongoing collaboration in building a sustainable aviation sector,” said ACI World Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira, adding that airports have been leaders in decarbonization efforts and on the front line providing solutions.

“The whole aviation ecosystem needs to work together with common purpose, and we urge states, regulators, fuel producers, and the financial sector to all play their part too,” de Oliveira said.

ACI World Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira. Photo source: ACI World.

Among others, IATA’s roadmaps focus on the development of more efficient aircraft and engines; new fuels and energy carrier infrastructure upstream from airports needed to facilitate the use of aircraft powered by SAF or hydrogen; reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency by improving the way existing aircraft are operated; the need for globally aligned strategic policies to provide incentives and support for the aviation industry’s transition to a net-zero future; and ways to finance achieving net zero goals by 2050.

According to IATA, 5 trillion euros are required for aviation to achieve the target by 2050 through technological advancements, infrastructure developments, and operational improvements.