COP 28 highlights ‘Energy Transition for Aviation’

The Global Sustainable Aviation Forum convened to highlight the imperative for collaborative strategies in decarbonizing air transport. Notable figures and authorities within the aviation sector provided insights into the prerequisites for the energy transition in aviation.Haldane Dodd, the Executive Director of the cross-industry Air Transport Action Group, emphasized the significance of COP28 as a global platform for addressing the goals of the Paris Agreement. Dodd acknowledged the aviation industry’s commitment to contributing to system-wide decarbonization, despite the inherent challenges in the sector often referred to as ‘hard-to-abate.’ He noted the absence of ready-made solutions for decarbonization but underscored the industry’s history of overcoming obstacles through collaboration. Dodd revealed a comprehensive plan in place, with ongoing efforts to implement strategies encompassing technology advancements, operational enhancements, and the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAFThe Global Sustainable Aviation Forum at COP28 brought together stakeholders from various facets of the aviation industry, including airlines, airports, air traffic management, and the civil aerospace sector. Dodd emphasized the extensive efforts being made in technology, operational improvements, and the transition to SAF. Governments, united through the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), committed not only to a net-zero goal for 2050 but also endorsed a pathway to replace fossil fuel usage in aviation, beginning with a 5% emissions reduction goal by 2030.

The forum fostered discussions among experts, governments, UN organizations, finance, energy, civil society, and labor unions on topics such as SAF deployment, operational enhancements, hydrogen usage, airport carbon management, just transition, non-CO2 effects, policy, and financing.

Dodd highlighted COP28 as a pivotal opportunity for aviation to advocate for supportive policy measures encouraging investment in SAF. He emphasized the industry’s stance on phasing out fossil fuel use by 2050, aligning with the ongoing broader COP28 negotiations. Despite acknowledging the formidable challenge, Dodd reiterated the industry’s unwavering commitment to achieving a carbon-free global connectivity in the coming decades.