Toulouse Declaration on future sustainability and decarbonisation of aviation

Launched by the French Presidency to the EU on the 4 February 2022, the so-called “Toulouse Declaration” is the first-ever public-private initiative supporting European aviation’s goal to reach net zero CO₂ emissions by 2050. This is also the first joint initiative of its kind globally, aligning all EU stakeholders on the principles and actions needed to decarbonise and transform Europe’s aviation sector, representing a true breakthrough.

A number of European airports and airport associations have endorsed the Declaration, which complements their objective of reaching net zero CO₂ emissions by 2050 at the latest, first set out in June 2019 in the ACI EUROPE Resolution committing European airports to this ambitious goal. 89 airport operators of 311 airports came out in support of the Toulouse Declaration - you can find them listed here below. 

[Toulouse] Declaration on future sustainability and decarbonisation of aviation

1. Recognising the essential role of aviation in ensuring and improving regional and global multimodal connectivity for Europe and the rest of the world, notably for regions particularly reliant on air transport, as a driver for socio-economic development and cohesion;
2. Recognising the need for immediate and adequate action to support and incentivise the decarbonisation of aviation, especially in the light of the Paris Agreement and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 6^th assessment report, of the EU climate commitments for 2030 and 2050 and the Fit for 55 package of proposals as well as of similar commitments and initiatives from non-EU states;
3. [Re]affirming the commitments set out in the Declaration of the International Aviation Climate Ambition Coalition agreed at COP 26;
4. Emphasising that the decarbonisation of aviation is a complex challenge, which should be addressed by implementing a range of different measures and accompanied across the aviation eco-system by partnerships such as Joint Undertakings and Alliances set up at the EU and global level, adequate policy frameworks and effective incentives, such as those referred to in the European Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy;
5. Recognising that aspirational environmental and climate goals at international level must be supported by effective and accountable measures not only worldwide, but equally complemented at national and regional level, and milestones leading to the achievement of the goals;
6. Taking account of the ever changing global landscape and current situation of the sector severely affected by the pandemic and recovering from the COVID-19 crisis to build resilience and sustainability for the future and to ensure the aviation sector’s competitive position;
7. Emphasising that in addition to decarbonisation, the non-CO₂ impacts of aviation need to be addressed based on on-going research and recognising that many CO₂ reduction measures in aviation also reduce non-CO₂ impacts;
8. Emphasising the importance of also fostering the social sustainability of air transport and of addressing it at the same time as environmental and economic sustainability of air transport ;
9. Emphasising the importance of international cooperation in ICAO to ensure a global level playing field and in this respect considering that the 41st ICAO Assembly in 2022 should adopt an ambitious long-term aspirational goal for carbon emissions from international aviation in line with the temperature goals of the Paris Agreement;
10. Taking into account the growing expectations of civil society for the decarbonisation of transportation, in particular aviation, as part of an optimised mix of transport modes;
11. Recognising the commitments of European and worldwide aviation industry to sustainability and net zero carbon emissions by 2050, such as those expressed in the Aviation Round Table Report on the Recovery of European Aviation of November 2020, and the Destination 2050 and Waypoint 2050 roadmaps by European and global industry respectively;

The [public and private aviation stakeholders] declare that they:

1. Strive to ensure environmentally, socially and economically sustainable and inclusive connectivity in Europe and worldwide.
2. Reaffirm their commitment to the decarbonisation of aviation by 2050.
3. Support a basket of measures with effective and ambitious interim milestones, to accelerate the transition of both the European as well as the international aviation sector to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, such as aircraft technology improvement, improvements in operations, the use of sustainable aviation fuels, market-based measures, carbon pricing, financial incentives, and support to foster environmental and climate innovation in the sector, a number of which are addressed in the Fit for 55 package.
4. Acknowledge the social dimension of the transition towards sustainable aviation and the importance of fostering social sustainability and just transition, including through adequate social dialogue conducted at all stages, as well as reskilling and upskilling of workers.
5. Welcome initiatives for a regular and constructive dialogue, in Europe and worldwide, on the decarbonisation of aviation between authorities, industry and civil society.
6. Call upon all partners worldwide to work together towards the adoption at the 41^st ICAO Assembly of an ambitious long-term aspirational goal (LTAG) for international aviation of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
7. Invite other countries and international organisations to join this declaration, engage in the development of sectoral roadmaps, and work together towards sustainability and decarbonisation of aviation worldwide.

The following airport operators endorsed this declaration: 

 
In addition the following national airport associations joined the Declaration:

• Toulouse Declaration (PDF Download)