Green recovery from Covid-19 is top priority for global aviation, industry leaders say

Long-term climate action should be a priority along with economic recovery in the coming years, air transport industry leaders say

Three concepts models for the world's first zero-emission commercial aircraft that were unveiled by Airbus earlier this month. The aviation industry pledged to prioritise sustainability goals as it recovers from the sharp drop in business experienced because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Courtesy of AirbusShow less

The global aviation industry pledged to prioritise sustainability goals as it recovers from the worst crisis in its history brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, according to industry leaders gathered at the Global Sustainable Aviation Forum.

The industry's leaders reiterated that long-term climate action should be a priority alongside economic recovery in the coming years, the International Air Transport Association (Iata) and Air Transport Action Group said in a joint statement on Thursday.

"Air transport is in the midst of the deepest shock in its history," Michael Gill, executive director of the cross-industry Air Transport Action Group, said. "However, as we plan for the recovery of air connectivity, we also must prioritise our environmental progress."

The industry has pledged a long-term climate change goal to cut CO2 emissions in half by 2050, which will require the transition from fossil fuels to sustainable aviation fuel, the acceleration of research and the development of electric, hybrid and potentially hydrogen-powered aircraft.

Industry leaders agreed on the need to focus on sustainability as part of the industry’s long-term recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

"It is crucial that we pursue a green recovery and lay the foundation for a prosperous and sustainable industry for the long term," Luis Felipe de Oliveira, director general of Airports Council International, said. "Airports and their partners in the aviation industry need the support of appropriate regulation and government policies to facilitate a green recovery and push for real change.”

Iata said it is committed to achieving a green recovery but warned against levying more environmental taxes as the industry tries to recover from the impact of the pandemic.

"This is not the time for more environmental taxes that punish people for reconnecting with family or who contribute to economic recovery with business travel," Alexandre de Juniac, Iata's director general, said. "For aviation, the keys to combatting climate change remain investments in carbon offsetting, sustainable fuels and radical green technologies.”

Aircraft manufacturers are investing billions of dollars a year in making even more fuel-efficient planes but the disruption from Covid-19 will make it more difficult to sustain this level of investment in research and development.

"Moving forward, government and industry leaders must find new ways to collaborate on funding and developing innovative technologies that will address climate change," Eric Fanning, chair of the International Coordinating Council of Aerospace Industries Associations, said.