September 3, 2021, Montréal Speaking at ICAO’s 2021 Stocktaking Event, ICCAIA’s Chairman, Jan Pie spoke about the challenges and opportunities that the drive for sustainability brings to aviation.
He highlighted three key elements needed: aircraft technology, sustainable fuels, and new supporting infrastructure, noting that benefits can be realised through leveraging technology already available, optimising flight trajectories, implementing automated noise abatement procedures and time-dependant technologies, enabling aircraft to minimize fuel use.
Turning to fuel, he explained that sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) are a key component for the immediate reduction of carbon emissions. He called for a regulatory framework that incentivises the production and uptake of SAF, and state support to accelerate its industrial production.
Looking forward to future technologies, Mr. Pie considered the electric and hydrogen powered solutions. He said that “Supply and storage of these new energy sources, as well as ensuring equitable global deployment will also require State support, investments and a regulatory framework. There will be new challenges with airport compatibility, vehicle performance implications, accommodation in air traffic streams and new operating environments for revolutionary vehicles, such as intra-city air taxi operations.”
He also highlighted that safety is the overriding priority and integrating more efficient vehicles cannot be done without ensuring that aviation remains the safest way to travel.
He concluded by saying that “The COVID crisis is the most serious shock that aviation has encountered so far. But the climate crisis is an existential threat to the entire aviation business.”
The International Coordinating Council of Aerospace Industries Associations (ICCAIA) represents manufacturers and service providers for a safe, secure, sustainable and efficient international air transportation system.
ICCAIA’s members are engaged in the design, development, manufacture and in-service support of aeronautical and space products and technologies, including related ground-based systems and services.Recognized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), ICCAIA provides an avenue for the world’s aerospace manufacturers and service providers to offer their industry expertise toward the development of the international standards and regulations necessary for the safety, security, efficiency, and sustainability of air transport.