At the end of their annual meeting in Istanbul, global airlines called for broad cooperation to reach "very tough" emission targets and pledged to release interim climate targets next year. The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents 80% of global air traffic, said governments, planemakers, and regulators must all help to achieve the industry's goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
Airlines plan to order new jets to meet higher demand.
IATA's annual meeting also brought stark evidence of a consumer recovery as many airlines voiced interest in ordering new jets to lock in scarce production slots and meet higher-than-expected demand with modern fleets. Environmental groups say such rapid growth is at odds with the industry's commitments on emissions, but suppliers say the most recent available jetliners provide the most efficient starting point to take advantage of alternative new fuels.
Airlines rely on Sustainable Aviation Fuel, but supplies are low.
Pressure is growing on aviation to limit carbon emissions amid low supplies of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), currently accounting for only 0.1% of airline consumption. Airlines are relying for 62% of their emissions reduction target on SAF, which is currently between two to four times more expensive than kerosene. However, they oppose EU-style mandates and are calling for output incentives like those introduced by the United States.
Airlines are serious about their commitments but need more time to reach a consensus on interim targets.
Tim Clark, president of Dubai's Emirates, which recently announced a $200-million aviation sustainability fund, insisted the industry was taking its commitments seriously. "We're serious, we're putting money into it. We're not technologists. We will operate our fleet as best, as efficiently as we can," he told reporters. But Clark, whose airline will host the next IATA meeting in Dubai next June, warned other carriers against complacency. "We need to do something more than moan and groan and say 'It's not fair, we can only do what we are doing'," Clark said.
Airlines are frustrated by aircraft delays.
One thing airlines agreed on was frustration at aircraft delays, which have disrupted their schedules, with CEOs asking IATA to lobby planemakers. In practice, a senior aircraft industry source told media, airlines with the biggest order books and clout would be able to cut the best deals and shortest additional waiting times.