International aviation sector accelerates decarbonization with ICAO global framework

During the third ICAO Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels, the international aviation sector took a leap toward in accelerating decarbonization. Through the adoption of a new ICAO Global Framework for SAF, Lower Carbon Aviation Fuels and other Aviation Cleaner Energies, ICAO and Member States have made the agreement to achieve a collective goal of reducing CO2 emissions in international aviation by five percent by 2030. CAAF/3 was held from Nov. 20-24 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, bringing stakeholders in the international aviation industry together to commit to a sustainable future. By committing to the new ICA framework, the international aviation sector can reduce CO2 emissions by five percent by 2020, compared to zero cleaner energy use. Crucial components in the framework include a collective vision for clean energy transition, harmonized regulatory foundations, supporting implementation initiatives, and improved access to financing for related initiatives so "No Country is Left Behind." "The role of the Framework is to facilitate the scale-up of the development and deployment of SAF, LCAF and other aviation cleaner energies on a global basis, and mainly by providing greater clarity, consistency and predictability to all stakeholders, including those beyond the aviation sector," ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano said. By pursuing a collective vision, the individual circumstances and capabilities of each state will inform the ability to contribute to the vision within each state's national timeframes, without needing special obligations or commitments to emission reduction goals. "Achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 will require substantial and sustained investment and financing over the coming decades," ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar said. "We must furthermore assure reliable and affordable support and capacity-building for those States with particular needs, as they will be depending on it to help play their part." The ICAO framework will support the industry transition to clean energy and meet the goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, as adopted by the ICAO Assembly in 2022. The adoption of this framework is meant to send a signal to the public and private investors, as well as fuel producers. This signal makes known the opportunities to support and unlock the full potential of aviation's clean energy transition. "Investors, governments and others all need greater certainty regarding the policies, regulations, implementation support, and investments required so that all countries will have an equal opportunity to contribute to, and benefit from, the expansion in the production and use of these fuels and the expected emissions reductions they will lead to," Sciacchitano said.