Business Aviation Groups Unite for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Commitment at ICAO Triennial Assembly

Strategic Insights -

Business aviation groups today put forward a set of policy principles to guide long-term carbon emissions reductions in the lead-up to the 41st International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Triennial Assembly, convening this week in Montreal. The industry has committed to achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050, with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) playing a key role in reaching this goal. The International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) and other industry groups have developed four guiding principles to ensure the sector continues to build on its established record of safety, security, and sustainability.

Key Takeaways:

  • The business aviation industry has committed to achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050.
  • Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is crucial to reaching this goal, with the potential to reduce aviation's lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80%.
  • The industry is advocating for investments in SAF production, availability, and use, including tax credits, to scale up its production and availability.
  • Book-and-claim systems, which enable sustainability gains when SAF is not available, are encouraged as an industry initiative.
  • Innovations such as electric-powered aircraft and other alternative propulsion technologies are vital for significantly reducing CO2 emissions.
  • Cooperative programs between member states are needed to spread the use of best practices proven to increase aviation sustainability.
  • A working paper presented by the global aviation industry estimated that 53% to 71% of aviation decarbonization will need to be delivered through a shift to sustainable aviation fuels.
  • Significant global SAF production is achievable with the right policy support and market signals, potentially generating up to 14 million jobs.
  • Carbon reductions from SAF will be complemented by new technologies, including electric-powered aircraft, which will account for 12% to 34% of emissions reductions.

Statistics:

  • 53% and 71% of aviation decarbonization will be delivered through a shift to sustainable aviation fuels.
  • Up to 14 million jobs could be generated or sustained through the production and use of sustainable aviation fuels.
  • The business aviation sector has met its short-term climate action goal with a 1.9% annual fuel efficiency improvement on a rolling average from 2010 to 2020.
  • Between 2015 and 2020, the industry's carbon emissions were 2.4 million tons lower than forecasted levels.

Sources:

  • ICAO Triennial Assembly
  • Business Aviation Commitment on Climate Change
  • International Business Aviation Council (IBAC)
  • National Business Aviation Association (NBAA)
  • The Business Aviation Coalition for Sustainable Aviation Fuel
  • Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI)
  • Canadian Business Aviation Association (CBAA)
  • European Business Aviation Association (EBAA)
  • General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA)
  • Helicopter Association International (HAI)
  • National Air Transportation Association (NATA)