Europe’s aviation sector launches ambitious plan to reach net zero by 2050

(Climate Action, 12 Feb 2021) Europe’s aviation sector has unveiled its flagship sustainability initiative which includes its ambitious plan to reach net zero by 2050.

Driven by a new report, Destination 2050 – A Route to Net Zero European Aviation, it provides a vision and path for meaningful CO2 emission reduction efforts in Europe and globally.

Building on the Paris Agreement and the European Green Deal, Destination 2050 sees all flights within and departing the EU, UK and EFTA realising net zero CO2 emissions by 2050.

According to the report, there is an opportunity to reach this target through a combination of four key measures, aligning European aviation with EU climate goals – subject to securing the required supporting policy and financing framework at EU and national level. These measures include improvements in aircraft and engine technologies could achieve emission reductions of 37% and using sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) could achieve emission reductions of 34%.

Thomas Reynaert, Managing Director at A4E, said: “This long-planned vision and roadmap for the future of European aviation underlines our sector’s commitment and determination to play our part in tackling climate change despite the current crisis. A robust regulatory framework will be paramount in achieving not only an environmentally sustainable future, but also a financially resilient and competitive European aviation industry as a whole."

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Climate Action, 12 Feb 2021: Europe’s aviation sector launches ambitious plan to reach net zero by 2050