Ursula von der Leyen
Europe’s aviation sector has called on Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, to establish an Aviation Strategy that demonstrates the necessity of aviation in Europe’s economy.
A joint effort of Europe’s airports, airlines, air navigation service providers and civil aeronautics industry have created a list of recommendations for the European Commission and an update to Destination 2050 – A Route to Net Zero European Aviation, the collective’s decarbonisation roadmap.
The update highlights the need for action to start now, proposing the roll-out of SAF (sustainable aviation fuel), optimised air traffic management and aircraft operations, and restructured economic measures. The update was contained in a report that stated SAF and aircraft/engine technology will account for 83 per cent of emissions reduction by 2050.
The sector has identified that the Commission needs to supplement the efforts by implementing an EU industrial strategy for SAF and ways to bring down its cost, ensure the Clean Industrial Deal and the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (STIP) reflect the importance of aviation, and support research and development targeted at reducing fuel burn through programmes, such as Clean Aviation and SESAR.
The Chairs of A4E, ACI EUROPE, ASD, CANSO Europe and ERA released the following joint statement: “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.”
Photo: European Commission
