Stories by Ime Akpan Lagos
Th e International Air Transport Association (IATA) 73rd annual general meeting has approved a resolution calling for governments to implement policies to accelerate the deployment of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). Th e resolution also reaffi rmed the industry’s commitment to work with governments to implement the Carbon Off setting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) global carbon dioxide emissions agreement. “Th e CORSIA agreement is a vital part of our strategy on combating aviation emissions.
We are committed to carbon neutral growth from 2020 and to cutting net emissions to half 2005 levels by 2050. While off setting is critical to managing emissions in the short-term, in the longterm we rely on clean technology improvements to achieve our goals. “Sustainable aviation fuels are an integral part of our comprehensive strategy but at the moment they are not being produced in enough quantity at a competitive cost,” the Director General of IATA, said Alexandre de Juniac.
Th e resolution calls upon governments to implement policies to accelerate the deployment of SAF, including the creation of the appropriate regulatory framework to expedite the development of production facilities. Such policies could include easier access to fi nance, including loan guarantees and capital grants, supporting demonstration plants and supply chain research and development, putting SAF on an equal footing with automotive biofuels through equivalent public incentives, and legislative certainty over an extended period of time to give investors confi dence to fi nance new production facilities.
“Drop-in alternative fuels are technically ready to go and can deliver up to 80% reduction in carbon emissions. Governments have a role in providing incentives to make SAF commercially viable, just as they do with supporting the solar power for homes or electrically-powered cars. Investing in SAF capacity will help to reduce emissions and create new opportunities for economic growth,” said de Juniac. Th e Resolution also made clear the industry’s commitment to ensuring SAF conform to robust sustainability standards. IATA plays a leading role in an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) working group which will defi ne globallyharmonized sustainability requirements for SAF in the context of the CORSIA agreement.
