Charting a Greener Course: Aviation's Net Zero Goal

The aviation sector has reaffirmed its commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 during the Sixth Long-Term Aspirational Goals Inventory for 2024, held last week at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) headquarters in Montreal. This event gathered approximately 400 participants from government, aviation, and energy sectors, as well as research institutions, startups, financial entities, and civil society organizations. The four-day meeting provided a platform for stakeholders to exchange knowledge, present successful projects, and identify key priorities for decarbonization.

Salvatore Sciacchitano, President, ICAO Council, noted the importance of addressing the challenge of achieving net zero emissions by 2050, according to A21. He emphasized that collaboration among various stakeholders is essential for reaching this goal. Discussions included advancements in aeronautical technologies, operational improvements in airport infrastructure, and the integration of hydrogen as a fuel source for aviation.

A key focus of the sessions was sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). Participants discussed policy frameworks, partnerships, certification processes, and financing strategies to support the development and implementation of SAF. 

Juan Carlos Salazar, ICAO Secretary General, reiterated the sector’s commitment to sustainability. "We must increase the visibility of our efforts and successes, demonstrating that aviation is a responsible sector with concrete pathways toward net zero emissions," he stated.

The event also introduced ICAO's Global Framework for Sustainable and Low-Carbon Fuels. This framework aims to facilitate the implementation of initiatives focused on reducing carbon emissions in aviation. Additionally, the ICAO Finvest Hub was launched as a platform designed to connect decarbonization projects with potential investors, thereby facilitating access to financing sources necessary for the transition.

Another initiative discussed was the ACT-SAF program, which aims to accelerate the adoption of sustainable fuels through technical assistance and training. This initiative is supported by over 200 partners who are promoting feasibility studies and ongoing education within the industry.

On June 1, 2022, ICAO launched the "Assistance, Capacity-Building and Training for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (ACT-SAF) Programme" during a side event associated with Stockholm+50, aimed at showcasing ICAO's progress and ongoing efforts in aviation decarbonization. 

The program creates opportunities for States to maximize their potential in the development and deployment of Sustainable Aviation Fuels, aligning with the ICAO Global Framework for SAF and other cleaner aviation energies adopted at ICAO CAAF/3. ACT-SAF is designed to provide tailored support for States at various stages of SAF development, promote partnerships and cooperation, and serve as a platform for global knowledge sharing. 

As of November 2023, three feasibility studies have been developed under ACT-SAF, funded by the second phase of the ICAO-EU Project. These studies outline specific circumstances, priority pathways for SAF production, necessary implementation support, and recommended action plans that align with governmental policies on SAF development.