The UK Government has launched a “new and improved” taskforce to advance sustainable aviation. The ‘jet zero taskforce’ has launched with refreshed plans to cut aviation emissions along with a new group dedicated to advancing sustainable aviation. The taskforce was launched November 25, 2024, by secretary of state for transport Louise Haigh.
“We need to make flying a cleaner, greener experience and the new and improved jet zero taskforce will be the driving force behind this transition,” commented Haigh.
The plans feature an annual CEO-level meeting chaired by the UK transport secretary to set priorities for the taskforce and review progress. Members will include CEOs major airlines such as easyJet and Virgin; airports such as Heathrow and Manchester; the secretary of state for business and trade Jonathan Reynolds; and secretary of state for energy security and net zero Ed Miliband. In addition, it will include fuel producers, trade bodies, and leading universities.
Virgin Atlantic VP of corporate development Holly Boyd-Boland said: “Decarbonising our sector requires radical collaboration – a shared goal, underpinned by a bias to action. Aviation can play a significant role in delivering the government’s missions for economic growth and clean energy.”
Virgin Atlantic flew the first flight on 100% SAF last year.
“The UK can lead the way in net zero aviation, ensuring our world-class aviation and aerospace companies can continue to support a growing UK economy and industrial base and provide families the chance to travel long into the future,” said Airlines UK CEO Tim Alderslade.
The taskforce - building upon the previous jet zero council - will support the production and delivery of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and zero emission flights. It will also examine how to improve aviation systems and to make them more efficient.
In addition, the taskforce will examine non-CO2 impacts of aviation such as contrails.
The launch of the taskforce comes as the department for transport invests up to £450,000 to support aviation decarbonisation measures in other countries. Measures include helping states develop policy and access financing for SAF, as well as to offset carbon emissions from international flights.
The UK SAF mandate was officially signed into UK law last week, which requires an increasing amount of SAF in overall jet fuel from January 1, 2025. By 2040, 22% of all jet fuel must be sustainably sourced.
The new taskforce is set to meet for the first time on December 4, with SAF being at the top of the agenda.