The commitment follows a review of the opportunities to cut aviation emissions and forms a central pillar of a new “Decarbonisation Road-Map: A Path to Net Zero” published by the coalition.
The road-map sets out exactly where reductions will come from, including through smarter flight operations, new aircraft and engine technology, modernising UK airspace, the use of sustainable aviation fuels, and high-quality market-based policy measures.
With these actions, the group claims, the UK will be able to grow passenger numbers by 70% – in line with current projections – whilst also reducing net emissions from 30 million tonnes of CO2 per year today down to zero.
In addition, a “Sustainable Aviation Fuels Road-Map” has been released identifying the specific role that sustainable aviation fuels could play.
It forecasts that the UK could become a world leader in developing sustainable aviation fuels, which could meet 32% of the nation’s demand for aviation fuel by 2050.
Neil Robinson, Chair of Sustainable Aviation, said: “Climate change is a clear and pressing issue for people, businesses and governments across the world.
“We know aviation emissions will increase if decisive action is not taken, and that’s why UK aviation today commits to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, through an international approach, working with governments around the world and through the UN.”
Membership of this coalition is said to represent over 90 per cent of UK airlines, airports and air navigation service providers, as well as major UK aerospace manufacturers and business partners.
It includes easyJet, Tui Group, British Airways, Flybe, dnata and Airbus.
