SANTIAGO, 7 April 2022 – Governments from Latin American countries met with aviation industry officials today to discuss how the energy transition in air transport could help generate green growth employment and support up to two million jobs in the region. This was part of a series of regional events in the lead up to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assembly in September, where governments will negotiate a long-term climate goal for the sector.
Haldane Dodd, Executive Director of the Air Transport Action Group said: “This is an important year for aviation’s climate action. As an industry, we have committed to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. It’s a challenging goal for our global sector, but necessary to play our part in meeting the world’s climate challenge. To succeed, it will require the coordinated efforts of the entire industry and significant government support. The aviation industry is urging Governments meeting at ICAO this year to adopt a goal aligned with this approach.
“Aside from raising ambition on climate action across the world, one of the benefits of a United Nations-backed sectoral goal will be stability and certainty for investors in clean energy solutions. For aviation, a core component of our decarbonisation strategy is a shift to sustainable aviation fuels, including those produced from waste sources, non-food crops and low-carbon electricity.”
To reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the aviation industry has pledged to work collaboratively within the sector and with governments to introduce new technology options (including potentially electric and hydrogen aircraft), continue improving the operational efficiency of flights, and embark on a shift away from fossil fuels by mid-Century.
Dodd commented: “It is not going to be easy, but we are confident that with the right support from Governments, the energy sector and the research community, net-zero aviation should be possible by 2050 around the world. We need Governments to agree a long-term goal at the ICAO Assembly this year. Latin America is well placed to take advantage of the shift to sustainable aviation fuels, if Governments in the region help catalyse this exciting opportunity.”
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