Category: Press Release

Brussels, 1 October 2026: DESTINATION 2050, representing Europe’s airlines, airports, air navigation service providers, and aircraft and original equipment manufacturers, reaffirms its commitment to net-zero CO₂ emissions by 2050. Following the European Commission’s proposal to review the EU ETS for aviation, we ask that the mechanism becomes a key tool for decarbonisation of the sector in Europe. As highlighted in the Draghi report, aviation is vital to Europe’s economic sovereignty, and we welcome efforts to strengthen competitiveness alongside climate action.

Climate ambition must align with competitive reality to achieve meaningful emission reductions without compromising connectivity. Key elements of the current proposal put European competitiveness and meaningful decarbonisation at risk. DESTINATION 2050 calls on EU legislators to ensure investment certainty, foster innovation, ensure that new measures rest on validated science and demonstrated operational feasibility, and prevent carbon leakage by addressing the following priorities in the revised EU ETS.

1.Reform and increase SAF Allowances

Whilst welcoming the recognition that significantly greater support is needed to accelerate SAF uptake, we are concerned about the reduction in support levels for each SAF category, including the phase out of support for waste-based bio-SAF after 2029, and do not support the “Made in Europe” criterion for SAF. The framework must reflect actual market realities and operate coherently with ReFuelEU Aviation and RED III. Additional allowances should be available from the outset, independently of any extension of the geographical scope, without distinction based on the nature or business model of the aviation activity. Sufficient and predictable support must be ensured as ReFuelEU Aviation targets increase.

We call for stronger and longer-term SAF allowance support.

2. Fully reinvest aviation ETS Revenues

Climate policy should not only incentivise emissions reductions; it must also help finance solutions. Although insufficient, we welcome the proposal to secure a share of revenues from the EU ETS for the sectors covered, recognising the importance of ensuring that they contribute to the transition of hard to abate sectors.

We urge the co-legislators to ensure that 100% of the revenues from the auctioning of allowances associated with emissions from our sector are reinvested in the sector to support its decarbonisation, technological modernisation and competitiveness.

3.Maintain current geographical scope & strengthen global solutions

CORSIA is the most appropriate global carbon pricing framework to address international aviation emissions. Unilaterally extending the EU ETS to extra-EEA routes distorts competition, and compromises international efforts, increasing regulatory fragmentation and market asymmetries for operators, while driving carbon leakage, risking retaliatory trade measures and weakening EU’s international credibility.

We strongly oppose expanding the geographical scope of the EU ETS and urge to prioritise global mechanisms by strengthening CORSIA, assisting Member States with ICAO’s Long-Term Aspirational Goal.

4.Establish a Book-and-Claim Mechanism

The framework must also address the uneven availability of SAF across Europe by enabling verified purchases to benefit from support regardless of where and to whom the fuel is physically supplied.

We call for the introduction of purchase-based attribution to fuel users under the EU ETS to enable an effective European book-and-claim system.

5.Broaden the scope of the Innovation Fund & Industrial Decarbonisation Bank

EU funding instruments must reflect the operational realities of technological development in aviation. Funding needs to be open for technology maturation, which should include all technologies that deliver emissions reductions, such as more efficient propulsion systems, aerodynamic improvements, advanced materials, hybrid and electric aircraft.

We urge policymakers to include aviation projects in the Industrial Decarbonisation Bank and to adapt the EU Innovation Fund by supporting the technology maturation in the aviation sector, ranging from emissions reductions from more efficient propulsion systems and aerodynamic improvements, over advanced materials to “breakthrough innovative technologies”.

6.Incentivise Carbon Capture & Utilisation (CCU) for aviation

Whilst appreciating the inclusion of carbon removals in the proposal, to further unlock the potential of emerging carbon management solutions, the EU must establish a clear regulatory and financial framework that accelerates breakthrough technologies. We welcome the inclusion of carbon removals and see this as an important element of the decarbonisation framework. It is crucial that EU ETS supports next-generation CCU research and technology through dedicated funding streams, including the EU ETS Innovation Fund, Horizon Europe, and the Connecting Europe Facility.

We call on policymakers to incentivise CCU and carbon removals through R&D, Technology Investment and EU ETS Integration to create a clear market framework and drive widespread adoption across the sector, and by de-risking capital investment in carbon removals with Contracts for Difference (CfD) mechanism.

7.Condition the incentive on validated science and operational feasibility

Forecasting contrails formation skill at the flight-planning horizon is subject to significant scientific uncertainty. A contrail forecast does not make a given trajectory available: the proposal requires operators to incorporate forecasts “if possible,” but weather conditions are highly volatile, and the actual flight path depends on real-time operational constraints. Allowances would be allocated to the adoption of a tool, not to a verified outcome.

The understanding of aviation non-CO2 effects is still very much evolving and contrail avoidance strategies should be regulated and incentivised when there is mature scientific understanding and demonstrated operational feasibility across the whole aviation system.

Brussels, 5 November 2025 — The European Commission’s Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (STIP) is a constructive step towards addressing the financing and policy challenges of the aviation sector’s net zero transition, noted DESTINATION 2050*, an alliance of aviation partners. 

The Plan provides a long-awaited signal to tackle the teething problems of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) market in Europe. Yet, the aviation sector remains concerned that the Plan falls short of what is needed to accelerate the decarbonisation of air transport and safeguard Europe’s global competitiveness. Driving the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuels alone would require €100 billion investment by 2035. In this context, the announced potential funding support as part of the STIP appears disappointingly low and not commensurate with the scale of investment required.

DESTINATION 2050 partners commend the Commission’s inclusion of a double-side auction system to stimulate investment and reduce the cost gap for Sustainable Aviation Fuels. This shows growing recognition of the need for market-based incentives to scale up SAF production and uptake. They also welcome plans to consolidate financing instruments to trigger SAF production projects – noting that this will need to extend to advanced biofuels in addition to e-SAF.

However, the sector remains deeply concerned by the uncertainty remaining over:

• The timely establishment of a Book & Claim mechanism, one of the most effective tools to ensure SAF accessibility across all EU airports – regardless of local fuel availability. While it is positive that the STIP refers to such a mechanism, the commitment to assess its feasibility and design needs to become a top priority. The industry needs certainty and commitment from the Commission’s side that Book & Claim will be developed and implemented as soon as possible.
• The extension post-2030 and increase in SAF allowances under the EU ETS. While the STIP indicates that the Commission will assess such possibility, it equally falls short of providing the necessary certainty and commitment.
• The absence of targeted support for hydrogen and electric technologies, both of which are vital to achieving aviation’s net-zero by 2050 objective.

Without a coordinated and adequately financed strategy – one that includes a Book & Claim mechanism, expands SAF allowances under the ETS, channels EU ETS revenues into SAF production, and supports multi-year offtake agreements – the EU risks falling short of its own decarbonisation ambitions, undermining its own competitiveness and missing the opportunity to turn sustainable aviation into an economic success story.

DESTINATION 2050 partners welcome the positive signal delivered by the STIP and urge the Commission and Member States to:

–  Implement in a timely and coordinated manner all the measures listed in the Plan. The aviation sector stands ready to cooperate and support this endeavour. 

– Ensure concrete follow-up both on the Book & Claim design and implementation, as well as the extension of SAF allowances under the EU ETS. 

– Increase the funding envelope for aviation decarbonisation measures. Notably, the DESTINATION 2050 partners join the call issued by the Commission to mobilise the European Investment Bank to fund SAF projects.  

– Mobilise targeted funding for emerging technologies such as hydrogen and electric propulsion.

– Redirect the left-over funds available at national level under the Recovery and Resilience Funds to renewable and low carbon fuels projects before 31 August 2026.

– Guarantee policy coherence between DG MOVE, DG CLIMA, and DG ENER to provide industry with regulatory stability and investment confidence.
By closing these crucial gaps and working collaboratively between the Commission, Member States and industry, we are confident that the EU can deliver a credible pathway towards a competitive, connected, and climate-neutral European aviation sector.

* A4E, ACI EUROPE, ASD, CANSO Europe, ERA

Brussels, 4 February 2025 — Europe’s aviation sector today called on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to set out an Aviation Strategy that reflects the essential role aviation plays in Europe’s economy and global competitiveness.

This Aviation Strategy must implement the recommendations of Mario Draghi to aid the sector’s transition to net zero. Europe’s airlines, airports, air navigation service providers, and civil aeronautics industry* have set out a list of policy recommendations addressed to the European Commission — alongside an update to their flagship decarbonisation roadmap, Destination 2050 — A Route to Net Zero European Aviation.

The updated roadmap, contained in a new report, demonstrates that the time to act is now. Aviation can achieve net zero through a combination of improvements in aircraft and engine technologies; rolling out Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF); optimising air traffic management and aircraft operations; and economic measures. The report shows that SAF and aircraft and engine technology will account for 83% of emissions reductions by 2050.

All of this requires the Commission to step up and deliver the support to supplement the efforts of industry through:

• Implementing an EU industrial strategy for SAF together with mechanisms to rapidly bring down its cost.
• Ensuring the Clean Industrial Deal and the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (STIP) reflect the strategic importance of aviation in Europe.
• Supporting research and innovation to facilitate less fuel burn through programmes such as Clean Aviation for new aircraft technologies and SESAR for air traffic management.

“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,” the Chairs of A4E, ACI EUROPE, ASD, CANSO Europe and ERA said.

ENDS

* Represented by A4E, ACI EUROPE, ASD, CANSO Europe, ERA

Notes to Editor

Download the Destination 2050 report and policy recommendations here.

About A4E

Airlines for Europe (A4E) is Europe’s largest airline association. Based in Brussels, A4E works with policymakers to ensure aviation policy continues to connect Europeans with the world in a safe, competitive and sustainable manner. With a modern fleet of over 3,600 aircraft, A4E airlines carried over 718 million passengers in 2023 and served nearly 2,100 destinations. Each year, A4E members transport more than 5 million tons of vital goods and equipment to more than 360 destinations either by freighters or passenger aircraft. A4E is #Flyingforourfuture with our commitment to Europe and our call to action for incoming European policymakers. Find out more at www.flyingforourfuture.eu

About ACI EUROPE

ACI EUROPE is the European region of Airports Council International, the only worldwide professional association of airport operators. ACI EUROPE represents over 600 airports in 55 countries. Our members facilitate over 90% of commercial air traffic in Europe. Air transport supports 14 million jobs, generating €851 billion in European economic activity (5% of GDP). In response to the Climate Emergency, in June 2019 our members committed to achieving Net Zero carbon emissions for operations under their control by 2050, without offsetting. Based in Brussels, we lead and serve the European airport industry and maintain strong links with other ACI regions throughout the world. www.aci-europe.org

About ASD     

ASD is the voice of the European Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries. Based in Brussels, the association’s overall representation adds up to more than 4,000 companies, accounting for 98% of industry’s total turnover and 92% of its total employment in Europe. ASD actively supports the competitive development of our industries in Europe and worldwide by advocating common positions and providing technical expertise to public institutions and member companies. For more, visit www.asd-europe.org and follow us on LinkedIn.

About CANSO

CANSO – the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation – is the global voice of the air traffic management (ATM) industry and is shaping our future skies. Our members support over 90% of the world’s air traffic and include air navigation service providers, airspace users and operators, manufacturers and aviation industry suppliers. We raise the bar on global ATM performance by connecting the industry to share knowledge, expertise and innovation. www.canso.org

About ERA

Founded in 1980, European Regions Airline Association (ERA) is a non-profit trade association representing over 50 airlines plus around 150 other companies involved in European air transport and is the only association that bring together the entire spectrum of companies involved in European aviation. The association supports and defends the airline industry in providing safe, efficient and sustainable air connectivity to all regions of Europe. By lobbying European regulatory bodies on policy matters, ERA promotes and protects social responsibility, environmental sustainability and the development of regional economies and local communities. www.eraa.org

About DESTINATION 2050

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. In February 2021, Europe’s airlines, airports, civil aeronautics industry and air navigation service providers 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 by 2050. The independent report by the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) and SEO Amsterdam Economics shows how a combination of actions from all stakeholders — including the EU and national governments — in four key areas could achieve substantial CO2 emissions reductions in line with EU climate goals. These include: Improvements in aircraft and engine technologies (including hybrid, electric and hydrogen propulsion), using sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) both for fixed- and rotary‑wing platforms, implementing economic measures and improvements in air traffic management (ATM) and aircraft operations. The updated roadmap was released in February 2025. For more information, visit www.destination2050.eu

Media contacts

A4E
Kevin Hiney
Communications Director

Email: kevin.hiney@a4e.eu
Phone: +32 499 82 82 94

ACI EUROPE
Agata Lyznik
Director of Communications and Media
Email: agata.lyznik@aci-europe.org
Phone: +32 2 552 09 89

ASD
Adrian Schmitz
Communications Director
Email: adrian.schmitz@asd-europe.org
Phone: +32 473 13 33 30

CANSO Europe
Johnny Pring
Manager Europe Policy and Advocacy
Email: johnny.pring@canso.org
Phone: +32 493 53 61 24

ERA
Becky Warburton
Editor Corporate Communications
Email: becky.warburton@eraa.org
Phone: +44 (0)1276 485582

Brussels, 20 November 2024 – The European aviation industry has sent an open letter to the EU institutions and Member States urging them to prioritise aviation’s decarbonisation through a dedicated Industrial Strategy as part of the Clean Industrial Deal. This should encompass key recommendations from the Draghi Report on the bloc’s competitiveness.

The industry – represented by the DESTINATION 2050 partners, including all key parts of the aviation ecosystem – is also calling for a structured, high-level dialogue between the European Commission & Member States and the aviation industry to add further impetus to the efforts to decarbonise the sector in Europe.  

This should come with comprehensive support mechanisms that will help accelerate aviation’s decarbonisation, namely:

• Accelerating research and development
• Scaling up sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) availability
• Enhancing access to low-carbon technology financing

Time is of the essence. As COP29 draws to a close, it is clear a fully aligned, effective and collaborative effort between all stakeholders is needed to unlock the necessary policies and financing that will enable European Aviation to reach Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050.

• Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) key to reaching net zero
• European aviation industry hails the inclusion of SAF on the single list of net zero technologies in the EU’s Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA)
• This is a prerequisite to pave the way towards the development of a strong, globally competitive EU SAF market, which in turn will be crucial in delivering on the updated EU 2040 climate ambitions
• But further action by policymakers is needed

Brussels,  8 February 2024 – Reacting to the inclusion of SAF on the single list of ‘net zero technology’ under the EU Net Zero Industry Act with criteria for selecting strategic projects in those technologies, the five leading European aviation associations representing Europe’s airlines, airports, civil aeronautics industry and air navigation service providers – which are close partners through the DESTINATION 2050 alliance – are calling on EU policymakers to go further to ensure Europe develops a world leading SAF industry that will be crucial for European aviation to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050 in line with EU climate ambitions.

The inclusion of SAF in the NZIA is all the more timely following the release of the EU’s recommendation to update the 2040 climate targets this week. The European Commission’s communication recommending the new target expressly recognised the need to address barriers to SAF deployment at scale, giving the aviation sector priority access to feedstocks and putting incentives in place to close the price gap between SAF and conventional kerosene. SAFs are a crucial component that will enable European aviation to accelerate its decarbonisation, in full alignment with the bloc’s ambitious climate agenda.

The international race to become a SAF leader has started and further policy incentives to scale up the production and uptake are required for Europe to become a leader in the global competition for SAF. These include the extension of the SAF flexibility mechanism beyond 2034; the extension of the current 20 million allowances threshold and 2030 time-limit under the SAF allowances mechanisms; increased financial support for development of SAF, including through the Innovation Fund, as well as simplifying the administrative procedure for accessing these funds.

ENDS

About DESTINATION 2050

Europe’s aviation sector is collectively on board to lead the way in reducing aviation CO₂ emissions by 2030 and 2050 – making flying more sustainable for the long term. In February 2021, Europe’s airlines, airports, civil aeronautics industry and air navigation service providers 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 by 2050. The independent report by the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) and SEO Amsterdam Economics shows how a combination of actions from all stakeholders – including the EU and national governments – in four key areas could achieve substantial CO₂ emissions reductions in line with EU climate goals. These include: Improvements in aircraft and engine technologies (including hybrid, electric and hydrogen propulsion), using sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) both for fixed- and rotary-wing platforms, implementing economic measures and improvements in air traffic management (ATM) and aircraft operations. For more information, visit www.destination2050.qlabs.be

A4E
Kevin Hiney
Communications Director

Email: kevin.hiney@a4e.eu
Phone: +32 499 82 82 94

ACI EUROPE
Agata Lyznik
Director of Communications and Media
Email: agata.lyznik@aci-europe.org
Phone: +32 2 552 09 89

ASD
Adrian Schmitz
Communications Director
Email: adrian.schmitz@asd-europe.org
Phone: +32 473 13 33 30

CANSO Europe
Johnny Pring
Manager Europe Policy and Advocacy
Email: johnny.pring@canso.org
Phone: +32 493 53 61 24

ERA
Paula Bangle
GM Business Development
Email: paula.bangle@eraa.org
Phone: +44 1276 485558

Brussels, 27 November 2023 – The five leading European aviation associations representing Europe’s airlines, airports, civil aeronautics industry and air navigation service providers, which are close partners through the DESTINATION 2050 alliance – A4E, ACI EUROPE, ASD, CANSO Europe, and ERA –welcome the agreement reached by ICAO Member States at the Third Conference on Aviation Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3) in Dubai.

The agreement is an important step necessary to start implementing the ICAO’s Long Term Aspirational Goal of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050 for international aviation. Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) are a crucial component of aviation’s pathway to climate neutrality.

The DESTINATION 2050 partners in particular applaud the inclusion of a 5% CO₂ emissions reduction objective by 2030 through SAF use globally, which will provide a clear signal for the energy sector to develop alternative fuels and attract the necessary investment.

---

About DESTINATION 2050

Europe’s aviation sector is collectively on board to lead the way in reducing aviation CO₂ emissions by 2030 and 2050 – making flying more sustainable for the long term. In February 2021, Europe’s airlines, airports, civil aeronautics industry and air navigation service providers 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 by 2050. The independent report by the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) and SEO Amsterdam Economics shows how a combination of actions from all stakeholders – including the EU and national governments – in four key areas could achieve substantial CO₂ emissions reductions in line with EU climate goals. These include: Improvements in aircraft and engine technologies (including hybrid, electric and hydrogen propulsion), using sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) both for fixed- and rotary-wing platforms, implementing economic measures and improvements in air traffic management (ATM) and aircraft operations. For more information, visit www.destination2050.eu

A4E
Kevin Hiney
Communications Director

Email: kevin.hiney@a4e.eu
Phone: +32 499 82 82 94

ACI EUROPE
Agata Lyznik
Director of Communications and Media
Email: agata.lyznik@aci-europe.org
Phone: +32 2 552 09 89

ASD
Adrian Schmitz
Communications Director
Email: adrian.schmitz@asd-europe.org
Phone: +32 473 13 33 30

CANSO Europe
Johnny Pring
Manager Europe Policy and Advocacy
Email: johnny.pring@canso.org
Phone: +32 493 53 61 24

ERA
Paula Bangle
GM Business Development
Email: paula.bangle@eraa.org
Phone: +44 1276 485558

• European aviation industry hails the adoption of the ReFuelEU Regulation
• Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) key to reaching Net Zero
• More support is needed to secure Europe’s access to feedstock and SAF production capacity
• November ICAO Conference on Aviation Alternative Fuels is key milestone for development of SAF worldwide

Brussels, 13 September 2023 – The five leading European aviation associations representing Europe’s airlines, airports, civil aeronautics industry and air navigation service providers, which are close partners through the DESTINATION 2050 alliance – A4E, ACI EUROPE, ASD, CANSO Europe, and ERA – today welcomed the adoption of the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation and look forward to further SAF deployment globally.

The adoption marks an important and timely step necessary to realising the ambitious decarbonisation targets set out in the DESTINATION 2050 roadmap. Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) are a crucial component of this roadmap and today’s adoption of the ReFuelEU legislation lays the foundation for ambitious blending shares of SAF in aviation fuel.

While EU investors and industrial partners have now received a clear signal to unleash their investments, the EU shall ensure that the required uptake of SAF consumption will boost the European SAF industry. The international race to become a SAF leader has started and the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation should therefore be complemented with further incentives to scale up SAF production and uptake in Europe through their inclusion into the EU Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA) as part of the strategic net-zero technologies, mirroring the US approach in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

Aviation is global by nature and we need to ensure the decarbonisation of aviation is global as well. The European air transport sector strongly encourages the wider promotion of SAF around the world. The DESTINATION 2050 partners call on states and the wider aviation industry across all world regions and at global level to join forces and rally around ambitious and credible SAF objectives – to ensure aviation globally remains on track to attain the ICAO Long-Term Aspirational Goal (LTAG) of global net-zero carbon emissions for aviation by 2050.

Political support for the net-zero future of aviation is key. It requires policies and incentives that scale up the global development and production of SAF.

A robust worldwide climate policy framework for SAF is needed. The November 2023 ICAO Conference on Aviation Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3) is a unique opportunity to put in place the right milestones and to deliver ambitious targets for SAF deployment worldwide.

ENDS

About DESTINATION 2050

Europe’s aviation sector is collectively on board to lead the way in reducing aviation CO₂ emissions by 2030 and 2050 – making flying more sustainable for the long term. In February 2021, Europe’s airlines, airports, civil aeronautics industry and air navigation service providers 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 by 2050. The independent report by the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) and SEO Amsterdam Economics shows how a combination of actions from all stakeholders – including the EU and national governments – in four key areas could achieve substantial CO₂ emissions reductions in line with EU climate goals. These include: Improvements in aircraft and engine technologies (including hybrid, electric and hydrogen propulsion), using sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) both for fixed- and rotary-wing platforms, implementing economic measures and improvements in air traffic management (ATM) and aircraft operations. For more information, visit www.destination2050.eu

Media contacts

A4E
Kevin Hiney
Communications Director

Email: kevin.hiney@a4e.eu
Phone: +32 499 82 82 94

ACI EUROPE
Agata Lyznik
Director of Communications and Media
Email: agata.lyznik@aci-europe.org
Phone: +32 2 552 09 89

ASD
Adrian Schmitz
Communications Director
Email: adrian.schmitz@asd-europe.org
Phone: +32 473 13 33 30

CANSO Europe
Johnny Pring
Manager Europe Policy and Advocacy
Email: johnny.pring@canso.org
Phone: +32 493 53 61 24

ERA
Paula Bangle
GM Business Development
Email: paula.bangle@eraa.org
Phone: +44 1276 485558

Brussels, 26 April – The five leading European aviation associations which are close partners through the DESTINATION 2050 decarbonisation roadmap – A4E, ACI EUROPE, ASD, CANSO, and ERA – welcome yesterday’s political agreement between the European Parliament and the Council of the EU on the ReFuel EU Aviation regulation.

The agreement marks an important and timely step necessary to the realisation of the ambitious targets of the decarbonization roadmap to which the sector has committed. Sustainable Aviation Fuels play a decisive role in that endeavour and the agreement lays the foundation for all key stakeholders to move on in a concerted effort to reach the blending shares of SAF to kerosene agreed upon. This is expected to stimulate increased production and larger scale market-uptake of SAF through to 2050.

Through DESTINATION 2050, announced in early 2021, the European aviation industry was the first in the world to commit to the realisation of a net-zero goal for all departing flights by 2050. This will be achieved through a combination of four key pillars including improvements in aircraft and engine technologies, using Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), implementing economic measures, and improvements to air traffic management (ATM) and aircraft operations in Europe.

Whilst the trilogue agreement is an important step into the right direction, further support is needed through complementary EU policies and initiatives.

About DESTINATION 2050

Europe’s aviation sector is collectively on board to lead the way in reducing aviation CO₂ emissions by 2030 and 2050 – making flying more sustainable for the long term. In February 2021, Europe’s airlines, airports, aerospace manufacturers and air navigation service providers 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 by 2050. The independent report by the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) and SEO Amsterdam Economics shows how a combination of actions from all stakeholders – including the EU and national governments – in four key areas could achieve substantial CO₂ emissions reductions in line with EU climate goals. These include: Improvements in aircraft and engine technologies (including hybrid, electric and hydrogen propulsion), using sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) both for fixed- and rotary-wing platforms, implementing economic measures and improvements in air traffic management (ATM) and aircraft operations. For more information, visit www.destination2050.eu

Media contacts

A4E
Kevin Hiney
Communications Director

Email: kevin.hiney@a4e.eu
Phone: +32 499 82 82 94

ACI EUROPE
Virginia Lee
Senior Vice President: Communications, Membership and Marketing

Email: virginia.lee@aci-europe.org
Phone: +32 2 552 09 82

ASD
Adrian Schmitz
Communications Director

Email: adrian.schmitz@asd-europe.org
Phone: +32 473 13 33 30

CANSO
Johnny Pring
Manager Europe Policy and Advocacy

Email: johnny.pring@canso.org
Phone: +32 493 53 61 24

ERA
Paula Bangle
GM Business Development

Email: paula.bangle@eraa.org
Phone: +44 1276 485558

• Destination 2050 partners voice full support for ICAO Assembly’s agreement on net-zero goal, aligning sector’s objective with the Paris Agreement

• Industry reiterates its call for policies which support sector’s transition

Brussels, 07 October 2022 – Today, the five leading European aviation associations[1] which are close partners through the Destination 2050 decarbonisation roadmap, came out in strong support of the outcome of the 41^st Triennial International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Assembly.

The UN body overseeing the global civil air transport sector succeeded in setting net zero CO₂ emissions by 2050 as the worldwide climate goal for aviation, de facto aligning its climate ambition with the Paris Agreement as well as the global aviation industry’s own target and commitment. The Destination 2050 partners stressed the importance of global political support for the net-zero future for aviation, and called on ICAO and its Member States to work on emissions reduction objectives through a global approach with coordinated policies for the entire sector.

Through Destination 2050, the European aviation industry was the first in the world to commit to the realisation of a net-zero goal for all departing flights. Announced in early 2021, the Destination 2050 alliance and commitment included a comprehensive roadmap based on a clear set of measures to reach that goal. The Destination 2050 partners remain fully committed to this roadmap and call for political support for its four pillars including with aircraft and engine technologies, air traffic management and aircraft operations, Sustainable Aviation Fuels and smart economic measures.

Aviation, as a global enterprise, needs climate policies that ensure harmonised approaches for all stakeholders, and to be met by commensurate actions across all regions. In this respect, the Destination 2050 partners praised the long-awaited global agreement at ICAO. They recognised its key role in providing consistency among policies, creating a level playing field, and setting the ground for the necessary regulatory certainty for investment and finance to secure a sustainable future for the air transport sector globally.

ENDS

Media contacts

A4E
Kevin Hiney
Communications Director

Email: kevin.hiney@a4e.eu
Phone: +32 499 82 82 94

ACI EUROPE
Virginia Lee
Senior Vice President: Communications, Membership and Marketing

Email: virginia.lee@aci-europe.org
Phone: +32 2 552 09 82

ASD Europe
Adrian Schmitz
Communications Director

Email: adrian.schmitz@asd-europe.org
Phone: +32 473 13 33 30

CANSO
Johnny Pring
Manager Europe Policy and Advocacy

Email: johnny.pring@canso.org
Phone: +32 493 53 61 24

ERA
Paula Bangle
GM Business Development

Email: paula.bangle@eraa.org
Phone: +44 1276 485558

---

[1] AeroSpace and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD Europe), Airports Council International Europe (ACI EUROPE), Airlines for Europe (A4E), Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO), European Regions’ Airline Association (ERA) 

Aviation associations call for policies to support the continued transition to net zero carbon emissions

Lyon, 28 June 2022 – Today, five European flights will converge on Lyon Airport, applying innovative technologies, fuels and air navigation procedures to minimise their carbon emissions, thus showing the potential to transform the environmental impact of the aviation industry. The flights – from Amsterdam, Barcelona, Bucharest, Frankfurt and Lisbon – are arriving this afternoon on the occasion of the European Commission’s ‘Connecting Europe Days’ event using the following measures:

• Environmentally optimised routings – By taking advantage of airspace normally reserved for the military and by using improved vertical and lateral profiles, new, more direct routings are made possible, improving trajectories and descents into Lyon Airport’s approach airspace. In this way, the five flights are achieving a more optimal trajectory for minimising fuel burn and thus reducing emissions. These are made possible thanks to collaboration between EUROCONTROL, the air navigation service providers from eleven countries[1] and the respective National Military Authorities, in partnership with the ALBATROSS project[2].

• Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs): Airlines including Air France, easyJet, KLM, Lufthansa, Transavia and Vueling are each uplifting 30% SAF on a total of ten flights departing from Lyon, resulting in a CO₂ emissions reduction of 27% per flight compared to conventional fuel use. Increased SAF uptake has been proven to be the most effective means to decarbonise aviation in the next decades until newer technologies, such as hydrogen, become available.

• Carbon neutral airport operations and infrastructure – Lyon Airport is deploying the most energy-efficient operational know-how and solutions for turnaround of these aircraft. The host airport is an exemplary part of VINCI Airports’ environmental strategy, having already achieved carbon neutrality with compensation in 2017 within Airport Carbon Accreditation.  It is now on course to become the first commercial airport in France to reach net zero CO₂ emissions by 2026 within the scope of its business. Lyon Airport is also a pilot for VINCI Airports’ plan to kickstart hydrogen use at airports to accommodate hydrogen-powered aircraft as early as 2023, in partnership with Airbus and Air Liquide. 

This coordinated action has shown what can be achieved through the application of measures set out in the Destination 2050 Roadmap,[3] an initiative of the five leading European aviation associations[4] to identify a pathway for their sector to reach the EU’s climate goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The European aviation industry is committed to this Roadmap, but in order to make today’s exceptional measures possible on a wider basis, they call for political support for its four pillars, including:

Aircraft and engine technologies

• New technologies are expected to enter the market in the 2030s. To make this happen, Technology Readiness Level (TRL) is needed by 2027-2030 and efficient certification procedures are required. At the same time, the further enhancement of existing technologies should not be neglected as they still have vast potential to contribute to the drastic reduction of aviation emissions. So far, each new generation of aircraft is on average 20% more fuel efficient than its predecessors.
• Full support for funding programmes at EU level (via the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking) and Member State level is needed to stimulate further development and deployment of new technologies.
• Support industry via incentives and de-risking investments.

Air traffic management and aircraft operations

• Full support for research under the EU’s SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking on new technologies and procedures is needed to enable the transition to more sustainable and efficient skies.
• National governments to fully implement the Single European Sky, for example by supporting the roll-out of measures such as cross-border Free Route Airspace (allowing aircraft to freely plan a more direct route between defined entry and exit points) and Flexible Use of Airspace (enabling a switch from military to civilian use at short notice).

SAFs

• Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) represent one of the most promising solutions to decarbonise aviation, however production is still very low and prices are too high.
• Incentives are necessary to incentivise production and bridge the price gap between SAFs and conventional jet fuel.
• An EU blending mandate offers the necessary policy framework to increase production and uptake of SAF.

Smart economic measures

• Economic measures will be critical in the short term until the sector can start relying on SAFs and new technologies (circa 2030s).
• An ambitious global measure, such as CORSIA, is necessary. Aviation is by its nature a global industry, therefore it needs one single emissions trading/offsetting scheme to avoid carbon leakage and double counting of emissions.

With the necessary political support and the right legislative framework, our members can take the required steps to achieve the EU’s net zero carbon emissions target by 2050.

ENDS

Notes to editor:

Flights on 28 June include: EasyJet: Flights EJU4434 from Lisbon to Lyon; Lyon to Gatwick and Lyon to Toulouse; Lufthansa:Flight LH1076 from Frankfurt to Lyon and flight LH1077 from Lyon to Frankfurt; Air France flights AF1594 from Lyon to Brest and AF1574 from Lyon to Pau; KLM flight KL1415 from Amsterdam to Lyon, flights KL1416 and KL1418 from Lyon to Amsterdam; Transavia flight TO7770 from Lyon to Porto; Vueling flight VY1220 from Barcelona to Lyon and flight VY1221 from Lyon to Barcelona. See also Connecting Europe by Air programme for more information.

About Destination 2050

Europe’s aviation sector is collectively on board to lead the way in reducing aviation CO₂ emissions by 2030 and 2050 – making flying more sustainable for the long term. In February 2021, Europe’s airlines, airports, aerospace manufacturers and air navigation service providers 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 by 2050. The independent report by the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) and SEO Amsterdam Economics shows how a combination of actions from all stakeholders – including the EU and national governments – in four key areas could achieve substantial CO₂ emissions reductions in line with EU climate goals. These include: Improvements in aircraft and engine technologies (including hybrid, electric and hydrogen propulsion), using sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) both for fixed- and rotary-wing platforms, implementing economic measures and improvements in air traffic management (ATM) and aircraft operations. For more information, visit www.destination2050.eu

Media contacts:

A4E Jennifer Janzen, Communications Director Email: Jennifer.Janzen@a4e.eu Phone: +32 499 828294	ACI EUROPE Virginia Lee, Director of Media and Communications Email: virginia.lee@aci-europe.org Phone: +32 2 552 09 82
ASD Europe Adrian Schmitz, Communications Director Email: adrian.schmitz@asd-europe.org   Phone: +32 473 13 33 30	CANSO Johnny Pring, Manager Europe Policy and Advocacy Email: johnny.pring@canso.org Phone: +32 493 53 61 24
ERA Paula Bangle, GM Business Development Email: paula.bangle@eraa.org Phone: +44 1276 485558

---

[1] Belgium (skeyes), Croatia (Croatia Control), France (DSNA), Germany (DFS), Italy (ENAV), the Netherlands (LVNL), Portugal (NAV Portugal), Romania (ROMATSA), Serbia (SMATSA), Spain (ENAIRE) and Switzerland (skyguide)

[2] https://www.dlr.de/ft/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-17433/

[3] https://www.destination2050.eu/

[4] A4E, ACI EUROPE, ASD Europe, CANSO, ERA