International Civil Aviation Organization Member States have adopted a collective long-term global aspirational goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The global organization said the achievement of the goal will rely on the combined effect of multiple CO2 emissions reduction measures, including the accelerated adoption of new and innovative aircraft technologies, streamlined flight operations, and the increased production and deployment of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).
“States’ adoption of this new long-term goal for decarbonized air transport, following the similar commitments from industry groups, will contribute importantly to the green innovation and implementation momentum which must be accelerated over the coming decades to ultimately achieve emissions free powered flight,” said Salvatore Sciacchitano, president of the ICAO Council.
ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar added: “Countries have achieved some tremendous and very important diplomatic progress at this event, and on topics of crucial importance to the future sustainability of our planet and the air transport system which serves and connects its populations.”
Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) said it welcomes the commitment ICAO to the long-term goal. “Last year, North American airports, along with airports from around the world, joined together in a commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050,” said Kevin Burke, president and CEO of ACI-NA. “The announcement by the ICAO General Assembly further encourages the whole of global aviation to move forward in that long-term goal together.
With the political will now set at a global level, Burke add it is imperative that governments, airlines, and airports work together to follow-through on commitments to fund essential infrastructure improvements and take other important steps to fulfill this goal.
Since joining the Airport Carbon Accreditation program in 2014, nearly 60 North American airports have attained accreditation. Domestic airports are also working closely with the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT), the Federal Aviation Administration, and other key stakeholders on climate action, including the U.S. DOT goal for net zero emissions for all U.S. aviation by 2050.
In Canada, airports have committed to net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and have worked with Transport Canada and signed onto Canada’s Aviation Action Plan 2030, which sets a target of securing a 40 percent reduction.
