The world’s aviation community came together in Dubai last week and agreed a key next step towards the decarbonisation of our skies.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) reached a compromise agreement, at its Third Conference on Aviation Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3) to a framework to reduce emissions from aviation fuel by 5% by 2030.
Contributing to the global aviation sector’s aim to reach net zero emissions by 2050, the agreement confirms countries’ commitment to scale-up the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).
The agreement outlines the support available to those countries at the beginning of their SAF journey and enables them to take part in the global aviation energy transition.
The framework includes a new global target to reduce emissions by 5% by 2030 using cleaner fuels. This is underpinned by a comprehensive package of policies and supporting measures to ensure all regions of the world can start producing and using SAF as soon as possible.
The UK played a leading role in the negotiations and, working with our allies, stressed the importance of achieving our collective global aspirations on decarbonisation.
The UK remains committed to further action in this area, with our domestic SAF Mandate requiring 10% SAF in the UK fuel mix by 2030, delivering a 7% reduction in carbon emissions. Last week, we announced a further £53 million from our Advanced Fuels Fund to scale up the UK SAF industry and help see five commercial SAF plants under construction by 2025. We also launched the UK Clearing House; a national hub to support the testing and approval of new advanced fuels for aviation.
UK Aviation Minister Anthony Browne said: “Sustainable aviation is a promise that the global sector wants to make a reality – that’s why today’s agreement is so important – not only giving a renewed commitment to delivering a net zero future but outlining the next steps in the industry’s flightpath towards it.
“While the UK sought to secure greater ambition, this is a significant moment in our path to sustainable flying. The UK remains steadfast in its commitment to decarbonise international aviation.
“This deal shows that, when the world comes together and cooperates, we can bring about real change.”
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