The 41st triennial meeting of theInternational Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)The 41st ICAO Assembly, which has just ended, can pride itself on having achieved a spectacular objective for the future of the planet... and of aviation. At the end of two weeks of intensive diplomacy by over 2,500 delegates from 184 States and 57 organisations at the 41st ICAO Assembly, ICAO Member States adopted an collective global long-term objective (LTAG). This is an ambitious objective: thehe aviation industry will achieve zero net carbon emissions by 2050. In this way, ICAO has succeeded in aligning aviation's climate ambitions with the objectives of the European Union.Paris Agreement.
Public power and technology to the rescue
Implementation of the LTAG will be based on a number of measures to reduce CO2 emissions. Such as the accelerated adoption of innovative aeronautical technologies, the rationalisation of flight operations and the development of new technologies. increasing the production and use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).
" The adoption by governments of this new long-term objective to decarbonise air transport, following similar commitments made by industry groups, will make a major contribution to the green innovation dynamic. As well as its implementation, which must be accelerated over the next few decades if we are to achieve zero-emission powered flights in the long term." said Salvatore Sciacchitano, Chairman of the ICAO Council.
The States present at the ICAO Assembly also collectively underlined the importance of a financial commitment. Funding (private and/or public) will provide the impetus, particularly for future investment in decarbonising the aviation industry.
The States therefore support the new ICAO programme of assistance, capacity building and training for sustainable aviation fuels (ACT-SAF). A new ICAO conference on aviation and alternative fuels should be organised in 2023.
Europe, a world leader
In Europe, the five aviation organisations* working on the "Destination 2050" project have underlined the importance of this ambition solemnly affirmed. With "Destination 2050", the european aviation sector was the first in the world to commit to a net zero target for all departing flights.
Announced in early 2021, the "Destination 2050" alliance and commitment included a roadmap based on a clear set of measures to achieve this goal.
The Destination 2050 partners remain fully committed to this roadmap and are calling for political support for the four pillars required for low-carbon air transport. These include aircraft and engine technologies, air traffic management and aircraft operations, sustainable aviation fuels and intelligent economic measures.
* AeroSpace and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD Europe), Airports Council International Europe (ACI EUROPE), Airlines for Europe (A4E), Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO), European Regions' Airline Association (ERA)
