The 3rd ICAO Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3) in Dubai, UAE. Photo source: ICAO

Europe’s aviation and tourism sectors welcomed the adoption of a new International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) global framework for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), announced during the 3^rd ICAO Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3) held in Dubai last week.

A total of 100 states endorsed the “Dubai Framework” which foresees a 5 percent carbon intensity reduction by 2030.

“We welcome ICAO’s new global goal to achieve a 5 percent reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030 through sustainable aviation fuels and clean energy. This increased global ambition will help us achieve our own targets and accelerate the decarbonization of aviation worldwide,” said the European Commission.

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and its members also welcomed the Dubai Framework, reiterating their call on governments to take decisive action to unlock the full potential of a global SAF market by focusing on urgently increasing production.

“This important agreement is critical to delivering ICAO’s long-term aspirational goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050,” said WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson.

The ICAO’s long-term aspirational goal is to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050 for international aviation.

“This is not solely an aviation challenge. Governments, SAF producers, investors and all stakeholders need to collaborate to accelerate the development and adoption of SAF, to ensure a more sustainable and resilient sector,” Simpson said.

Photo source: ICAO

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) echoed the WTTC urging governments to adopt policies to maximize SAF production globally. “The road to success to transform aviation and achieve reaching net zero carbon emissions is a collective responsibility,” it said.

“While airlines are at the sharp end of decarbonization, they cannot bear the burden alone. CAAF/3 has again made it clear that aviation’s decarbonization will require the wholehearted and united efforts of the entire value chain and governments as we all focus on net zero by 2050. It is absolutely essential that governments play their part, and we will certainly play ours”, said IATA Senior Vice President Sustainability and Chief Economist Marie Owens Thomsen.

On its part, Europe’s aviation sector also hailed the news with industry associations ACI World (Airports Council International), A4E, ACI Europe, ASD, CANSO Europe and ERA, applauding the agreement for aviation fuel to be 5 percent less carbon intensive in 2030.

“This is a prime example of how regulators and industry can work together. We look forward to continuing to foster consensus across regulators and industry at the upcoming COP28,” said ACI World Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira.

Earlier this year, the European aviation industry welcomed the adoption of the ReFuelEU regulation, which aims to increase the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) in the EU. The regulation requires EU airports and fuel suppliers to ensure that at least 2 percent of aviation fuels are green by 2025, with this share increasing to 70 percent by 2050.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a United Nations agency which helps 193 countries to cooperate together and share their skies to their mutual benefit.

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