AIRPORTS COUNCIL International (ACI) World has called on state representatives who will be attending the upcoming high-level meeting organised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in Montreal, Canada between 19 and 22 July, to reach an agreement on a long-term aspirational goal (LTAG) for CO2 emissions reductions.
ACI World and its continental allies, ACI Africa, ACI Asia-Pacific, ACI Europe, ACI Latin America-Caribbean and ACI North America, in a joint release issued, said aviation industry, ministers, and high-level officials from States will gather at ICAO’s headquarters for the high-level meeting on the feasibility of a long-term aspirational goal for international aviation CO2 emissions reductions.
A global agreement on the ICAO long-term aspirational goal would help provide the necessary regulatory certainty for investment and finance to be granted, particularly for the development and deployment of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), and other solutions as they mature.
The States’ representatives will examine the outcomes from the ICAO Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection and seek to make policy commitments in preparation for the 41st Session of the ICAO Assembly, a triennial event that establishes the worldwide policy of the Organization for the next three years. ACI and other international organizations are calling on States to reach a meaningful agreement to establish a clear regulatory framework in which the aviation industry can thrive while continuing to deliver socio-economic benefits to the world.
Aviation plays a fundamental role in connecting communities as well as establishing and maintaining business connections, carrying 45% of global trade, and supporting 58% of world tourism1. The aviation sector’s objective is to continue to provide this vital connectivity, while also reducing its global climate impact and achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
ACI and its member airports have already committed, at the global level, to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050 with support from governments. More than 130 ACI member airports have brought forward their target to 2030 or even earlier. Some are planning for net zero by 2040, while others will need more support to develop and implement their decarbonisation roadmaps. ACI is working with governments and other sectors to support all its members in reaching these ambitious but achievable objectives.
ACI and its member airports are also part of the Air Transport Action Group’s (ATAG) net zero carbon goal for aviation emissions, under which the global aviation industry (airlines, airports, air traffic management and aircraft/engine manufacturers) has aligned with the Paris Agreement 1.5°C goal.