MONTREAL, 22 July 2022
The aviation industry says progress towards a long-term climate goal for the global air transport sector took a significant step forward this week at high-level talks in Montreal. Representatives of over 100 countries met at the United Nations specialised agency the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Haldane Dodd, Executive Director of the cross-industry Air Transport Action Group, said the meeting delivered a robust message on a long-term goal for the sector: “the aviation industry has agreed a goal of net-zero carbon by 2050 and this week’s High Level Meeting at ICAO reaffirmed the importance of that common objective.
“These negotiations are challenging as the different approaches of States are explored. But the effort to come together around a common goal of net-zero has been encouraging and lays the groundwork for fruitful discussions at the ICAO Assembly later this year.”
“Aviation decarbonisation is a huge challenge that needs investment and innovation from the industry, but also a coordinated approach with ICAO and its Member States to set the appropriate policy frameworks required for success.”
The aviation industry reminded delegates of the importance for ICAO and Member States to work on emissions reduction objectives through a global approach with coordinated policies allowing timely certification of new aircraft and fuels as well updating and development of relevant ICAO standards for innovative aircraft technologies, new types of operations conducive to emissions reductions, new fuels and cleaner energy sources and support for timely delivery of any necessary changes to airport and energy supply infrastructure.
This week’s talks were a precursor to the discussions which will take place in September and October in Montreal. The industry has stressed the importance of governments adopting a long-term climate goal at this year’s session. Such a globally-aligned policy environment will bring stability of direction and certainty to catalyse the needed investments in new fuels and decarbonisation technologies.