• International Air Transport Association sets 2050 net-zero goal

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      Patrick Lavery

      Combustion Industry News Editor


A number of leading global airlines have jointly agreed a 2050 net-zero target, as the Financial Times reports. Members of the International Air Transport Association last week agreed the target, although director-general Willie Walsh noted that decarbonising the airline industry “is a real challenge because we don’t have a clear solution in the short term”. He went on to say that the industry group believes very strongly that “there is a credible path to net zero”, and that IATA is relying on sustainable aviation fuels for reducing emissions by 65%, as well as to-be-developed electric and hydrogen-powered planes. Offsetting is also expected to be a component in the achievement of net zero. Mr Walsh noted at the same time that he believes aircraft manufacturers such as Boeing and Airbus were “not doing enough” to advance low-carbon technologies, and that governments should help airlines reduce emissions in a constructive way, rather than “limiting flying with retrograde and punitive taxes” which could make flying a thing only for the wealthy.