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European aviation sector’s new decarbonisation roadmap is a reality check for the European Commission

4 February 2025

Brussels — Europe’s aviation sector today called on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to set out an Aviation Strategy that reflects the essential role aviation plays in Europe’s economy and global competitiveness.

This Aviation Strategy must implement the recommendations of Mario Draghi to aid the sector’s transition to net zero. Europe’s airlines, airports, air navigation service providers, and civil aeronautics industry* have set out a list of policy recommendations addressed to the European Commission — alongside an update to their flagship decarbonisation roadmap, Destination 2050 — A Route to Net Zero European Aviation.

The updated roadmap, contained in a new report, demonstrates that the time to act is now. Aviation can achieve net zero through a combination of improvements in aircraft and engine technologies; rolling out Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF); optimising air traffic management and aircraft operations; and economic measures. The report shows that SAF and aircraft and engine technology will account for 83% of emissions reductions by 2050.

All of this requires the Commission to step up and deliver the support to supplement the efforts of industry through:

  • Implementing an EU industrial strategy for SAF together with mechanisms to rapidly bring down its cost.
  • Ensuring the Clean Industrial Deal and the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (STIP) reflect the strategic importance of aviation in Europe.
  • Supporting research and innovation to facilitate less fuel burn through programmes such as Clean Aviation for new aircraft technologies and SESAR for air traffic management.

 

“With efficient EU policy measures, we can secure aviation’s vital and strategic importance and continue driving social and economic progress throughout Europe. The new Destination 2050 report shows that the European aviation industry has a clear and actionable pathway to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, but urgent action must happen now. It is critical the European Commission delivers an Aviation Strategy this year, grounded in decarbonisation and maintaining competitiveness. It must seize the opportunity to place aviation at the centre of the Clean Industrial Deal and Sustainable Transport Investment Plan, while simplifying the regulatory burden and ensuring a supportive regulatory and investment framework. There’s not a moment to lose and acting today will ensure a strong, competitive and more sustainable aviation industry for tomorrow,” the Chairs of A4E, ACI EUROPE, ASD, CANSO Europe and ERA said.

 

 

* Represented by A4E, ACI EUROPE, ASD, CANSO Europe, ERA

 

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  • Note to editors

    Notes to Editor

    Download the Destination 2050 report and policy recommendations here.

    About A4E

    Airlines for Europe (A4E) is Europe’s largest airline association. Based in Brussels, A4E works with policymakers to ensure aviation policy continues to connect Europeans with the world in a safe, competitive and sustainable manner. With a modern fleet of over 3,600 aircraft, A4E airlines carried over 718 million passengers in 2023 and served nearly 2,100 destinations. Each year, A4E members transport more than 5 million tons of vital goods and equipment to more than 360 destinations either by freighters or passenger aircraft. A4E is #Flyingforourfuture with our commitment to Europe and our call to action for incoming European policymakers. Find out more at www.flyingforourfuture.eu

    About ACI EUROPE

    ACI EUROPE is the European region of Airports Council International, the only worldwide professional association of airport operators. ACI EUROPE represents over 600 airports in 55 countries. Our members facilitate over 90% of commercial air traffic in Europe. Air transport supports 14 million jobs, generating €851 billion in European economic activity (5% of GDP). In response to the Climate Emergency, in June 2019 our members committed to achieving Net Zero carbon emissions for operations under their control by 2050, without offsetting. Based in Brussels, we lead and serve the European airport industry and maintain strong links with other ACI regions throughout the world. www.aci-europe.org

    About ASD     

    ASD is the voice of the European Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries. Based in Brussels, the association’s overall representation adds up to more than 4,000 companies, accounting for 98% of industry’s total turnover and 92% of its total employment in Europe. ASD actively supports the competitive development of our industries in Europe and worldwide by advocating common positions and providing technical expertise to public institutions and member companies. For more, visit www.asd-europe.org and follow us on LinkedIn.

    About CANSO

    CANSO - the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation - is the global voice of the air traffic management (ATM) industry and is shaping our future skies. Our members support over 90% of the world's air traffic and include air navigation service providers, airspace users and operators, manufacturers and aviation industry suppliers. We raise the bar on global ATM performance by connecting the industry to share knowledge, expertise and innovation. www.canso.org

    About ERA

    Founded in 1980, European Regions Airline Association (ERA) is a non-profit trade association representing over 50 airlines plus around 150 other companies involved in European air transport and is the only association that bring together the entire spectrum of companies involved in European aviation. The association supports and defends the airline industry in providing safe, efficient and sustainable air connectivity to all regions of Europe. By lobbying European regulatory bodies on policy matters, ERA promotes and protects social responsibility, environmental sustainability and the development of regional economies and local communities. www.eraa.org

    About DESTINATION 2050

    Europe’s aviation sector is collectively on board to lead the way in reducing aviation CO2 emissions — making flying more sustainable for the long term. In February 2021, Europe’s airlines, airports, civil aeronautics industry and air navigation service providers laid out a joint long‑term vision along with concrete solutions to the complex challenge of reaching net‑zero CO2 emissions from all flights departing the EU, UK and EFTA by 2050. The independent report by the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) and SEO Amsterdam Economics shows how a combination of actions from all stakeholders — including the EU and national governments — in four key areas could achieve substantial CO2 emissions reductions in line with EU climate goals. These include: Improvements in aircraft and engine technologies (including hybrid, electric and hydrogen propulsion), using sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) both for fixed- and rotary‑wing platforms, implementing economic measures and improvements in air traffic management (ATM) and aircraft operations. The updated roadmap was released in February 2025. For more information, visit www.destination2050.eu

    Media contacts

    A4E
    Kevin Hiney
    Communications Director

    Email: kevin.hiney@a4e.eu
    Phone: +32 499 82 82 94

    ACI EUROPE
    Agata Lyznik
    Director of Communications and Media
    Email: agata.lyznik@aci-europe.org
    Phone: +32 2 552 09 89

    ASD
    Adrian Schmitz
    Communications Director
    Email: adrian.schmitz@asd-europe.org
    Phone: +32 473 13 33 30

    CANSO Europe
    Johnny Pring
    Manager Europe Policy and Advocacy
    Email: johnny.pring@canso.org
    Phone: +32 493 53 61 24

    ERA
    Becky Warburton
    Editor Corporate Communications
    Email: becky.warburton@eraa.org
    Phone: +44 1276 485582