European aviation sector’s new decarbonisation roadmap is a reality check for the European Commission

Europe’s aviation sector today called on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen 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 Mario Draghi to aid the sector’s transition to net zero. Europe’s airlines, airports, air navigation service providers, and civil aeronautics industry* have set out a list of policy recommendations addressed to the European Commission — alongside an update to their flagship decarbonisation roadmap, Destination 2050 — A Route to Net Zero European Aviation.

The updated roadmap, contained in a new report, demonstrates that the time to act is now. 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 shows 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.
• Ensuring 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.

“With efficient EU policy measures, we can secure aviation’s vital and strategic importance and continue driving social and economic progress throughout Europe. The new Destination 2050 report shows 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. It must seize the opportunity to place aviation at the centre of the Clean Industrial Deal and Sustainable Transport Investment Plan, 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,” the Chairs of A4E, ACI EUROPE, ASD, CANSO Europe and ERA said.