The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has unveiled a series of roadmaps aimed at providing step-by-step detailing of critical actions and dependencies for aviation to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. These roadmaps address aircraft technology, energy infrastructure, operations, finance, and policy considerations leading to net zero. Click here for the Net Zero roadmaps.
“I must emphasize that the roadmaps are not just for airlines. Governments, suppliers, and financiers cannot be spectators in aviation’s decarbonization journey. They have skin in the game. The roadmaps are a call to action for all aviation's stakeholders to deliver the tools needed to make this fundamental transformation of aviation a success with policies and products fit for a net-zero world,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
To achieve the roadmap, the development of more efficient aircraft and engines particularly, aircraft powered by 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), hydrogen or batteries is of utmost important.
Renewable energy plays a vital role in meeting the aviation sector's energy demand, and the roadmap outlines milestones to enable the necessary infrastructure developments.
The roadmap highlights that automation big data management, and the integration of new technologies as key enablers for optimising air traffic management and enhancing the overall efficiency of the air transportation system. The roadmap places special emphasis on the global policies providing incentives and support for aviation industry's transition to a net-zero future.
The report further highlights the financial challenge to finance the cumulative $5 trillion needed for aviation to achieve net zero by 2050
"The roadmaps show where all stakeholders should focus their efforts. There are two certainties. By 2050 we need to be at net zero carbon emissions. And the steps to get there that are outlined in these roadmaps will evolve as the industry’s expertise grows. Policy is particularly important early on as it, to a large extent, sets the scene for private sector investors to move. With that, the private sector can decarbonize at scale and with speed," said Marie Owens Thomsen, SVP Sustainability and Chief Economist, IATA.
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IATA's aircraft technology roadmap to net zero[/caption]