UK aviation industry coalition launches net zero manifesto

Sustainable Aviation (SA), a coalition of various airlines, airports, and various companies from other aspects of the aviation industry, has launched its new manifesto; detailing the goals for the UK Government to reach net zero targets for 2050 and be a leader in sustainable aviation. Members of the coalition include companies such as Airbus, Boeing, British Airways, easyJet, Heathrow, and Jet2.com. The manifesto says that at least five UK SAF plants under construction in 2025 will ensure the UK is ahead in commercial SAF production. It added that strengthening innovations in new technologies such as hydrogen will ensure the UK is ahead of net zero goals. It also recommended that the UK Government secures capacity for SAF production and carbon removals as well as the acceleration of airspace modernisation, which would reduce flight delays and increase capacity. ""Our transition to net zero flight will not only safeguard and grow aviation's contribution to the UK economy but also create thousands of new jobs,"" said Heathrow chair of sustainable aviation and sustainability director Matt Gorman. ""With support from the Government’s £135 million [$173.1 million] advanced fuels fund and upcoming SAF mandate, the UK SAF programme continues to be a global leader and will not only encourage investment, level up local communities and support jobs but most importantly, make aviation a cleaner, greener way to travel,"" said MP and minister for aviation Anthony Browne. Gorman added: ""Great strides have been taken in recent years, including the universal adoption of the 2050 net zero target, world-first 100% transatlantic SAF flight from London and test flights using hydrogen aircraft here in the UK."" The manifesto will be delivered to Parliament on the same day of its launch accompanied with speeches from Browne, along with the Labour shadow minister for industry and decarbonisation, a former transport secretary, and the GMB union national secretary.