D2050_Logo_Horizontal

A route to net zero European aviation

DESTINATION 2050 is an industry alliance committed to climate neutral European aviation in line with the EU climate goals and the Paris Agreement.

The DESTINATION 2050 roadmap developed by Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) and SEO Amsterdam Economics and commissioned by A4E, ACI EUROPE, ASD, CANSO Europe and ERAA shows an ambitious decarbonisation pathway for European aviation.

How will we achieve it?

Radar

DESTINATION 2050 also identifies the decisive joint actions needed to make this vision a reality, working at national, European and global levels. We believe that together, policy-makers and the industry we can make net zero CO2 emissions happen by 2050. European aviation is committed to play its part and ensure that air transport can continue to grow sustainably in the future.

By 2030, net CO2 emissions from intra-European flights would be reduced by 55% compared to 1990 levels through a combination of fleet renewal, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), operational improvements and the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) –in line with the new EU climate goal for 2030.

A combination of four key measures could achieve substantial CO2 emission reductions. By the year 2050, these reductions are projected to be:

Improvements in aircraft and engine technologies will achieve emission reductions of 27%

Scaling up alternative fuels and sustainable energy will achieve emission reductions of 56%

Implementing economic measures will achieve emission reductions of 12%

Improvements in air traffic management (ATM) and aircraft operations will achieve emission reductions of 6%

Additionally, the cost of these measures is likely to have an impact on demand, resulting in the net zero CO2 goal. Nevertheless, based on the Destination 2050 report, European air passenger numbers are projected to grow on average by approximately 1.4% per year between 2018 and 2050 without compromising the sector’s ability to reach net zero CO2 emissions by this point.

COLLECTIVELY
ON BOARD

Europe’s aviation sector is collectively on board to lead the way in reducing aviation CO2 emissions, making flying more sustainable for the long term. Europe’s airlines, airports, aerospace manufacturers and air navigation service providers have laid out a joint long-term vision along with concrete solutions to the complex challenge of reaching net zero CO2 emissions from all flights departing the EU, UK and EFTA. This initiative is led by Airlines For Europe; Airports Council International Europe; Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries Association of Europe; Civil Air Navigation Services Organization; and European Regions Airline Association.

ACT NOW

To achieve net zero CO2 aviation in Europe by 2050, while upholding aviation’s benefits to society, both government and industry must act now.

Quick, decisive joint actions will be needed to make the net zero CO2 vision a reality. Collective European leadership is needed.

DISCOVER OUR POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS HERE

Privacy Policy – Copyright Destination 2050