Saudi Press

Saudi Arabia and the world
Sunday, Oct 13, 2024

Aviation industry will not hit net-zero target on current trajectory, warns Emirates’ president  

Aviation industry will not hit net-zero target on current trajectory, warns Emirates’ president  

The aviation industry will miss its net-zero target unless it boosts research around sustainable practices, the president of the UAE flag carrier Emirates has warned.
In 2021, the International Air Transport Association passed a resolution committing airlines to achieving net-zero carbon emissions from their operations by 2050.

Yet the head of Emirates — one of the largest airlines in the world — believes the biggest impediment for the sector to reduce its environmental impact is the fuel being used.

Speaking as he announced Emirates had committed $200 million to fund research and development projects focused on reducing the impact of fossil fuels in the commercial aviation sector, Tim Clarke said: “We looked long and hard at the reality we face in commercial aircraft and engine technology, fuel supply chain, and our industry’s regulatory and eco-system requirements.

He added: “It’s clear that with the current pathways available to airlines in terms of emissions reduction, our industry won’t be able to hit net zero targets in the prescribed timeline.”

The designated fund of $200 million will be disbursed over three years, and Emirates will identify partnerships with organizations working on fuel and energy technologies.

According to the IATA, the production of sustainable aviation fuel is estimated to meet just 2 percent of the sector’s needs by 2025.

SAF is produced in tiny quantities from feedstocks such as cooking oils and animal waste and costs two to five times more than traditional jet fuels.

Clarke further noted that Emirates aims to “contribute meaningfully to practical solutions for the long-term sustainability of commercial aviation.”

He pointed out that the $200 million is earmarked exclusively for research and development and will not be used for operating expenses, including the purchase of SAF.

Reaffirming the airline’s commitment toward sustainability, Clarke added that Emirates would continue embracing environmentally responsible practices in all its operations until other fuel solutions are found.

“Until viable solutions can be found, Emirates will continue to implement environmentally responsible practices throughout our business, including uplifting SAF where feasible, ensuring efficient fleet operations, and inducting modern aircraft into our fleet,” he said.

Earlier in January, Emirates successfully completed the first 100 percent SAF-powered demonstration flight in partnership with Boeing and General Electric.

In April, Brendan Sullivan, IATA’s head of cargo, said that governments need to incentivize the production of SAF to create a “clear tipping point” for the sector’s net zero ambitions.

“SAF is being produced. And every single drop is being used. The problem is that the quantities are small. The solution is government policy incentives,” said Sullivan.

He added: “Through incentivizing production, we could see 30 billion liters of SAF available by 2030. That will still be far from where we need to be. But it would be a clear tipping point toward our net zero ambition of ample SAF quantities at affordable prices.”
Newsletter

Related Articles

Saudi Press
0:00
0:00
Close
Tesla's Robotaxi Design Strikes Controversy
Global Condemnation, Political Shifts, and Cultural Changes: Key Developments Around the World
Russia and Iran Bolster Economic Ties with Strategic Partnership Talks
Israel Issues Warning to Southern Lebanon Amid Ongoing Conflict
Poll Shows Trump Favored Over Harris in Handling Wars
Iran Enforces Electronics Ban on Flights After Lebanon Attacks
Gunfire Targets Jewish School in Toronto as Anti-Semitic Incidents Surge Across Canada
Global Tensions and Diplomatic Efforts: Key Developments from Turkey-Greece Talks to Electoral Concerns in Mozambique
Saudi Arabia Hosts Regional Environmental Summit Amid Rising Middle East Tensions
Saudi Arabia's Bold Reforms: Tax Exemptions, Water Security Initiatives, and Global Health Leadership Amid Middle East Tensions
100 Days of Keir Starmer: Navigating Economy, Controversies, and Global Challenges
Global Tensions Rise: Ukrainian Conscription Raids, Sectarian Clashes in Pakistan, and Natural Disasters in Florida and Nepal
Iranian Speaker Condemns Israeli Airstrike Amidst Regional Tensions; Saudi Arabia and Morocco Navigate Diplomatic Challenges
From Falconry to Foreign Relations: Exploring Heritage and Headlines Across the Middle East
Escalating Conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon Highlight Global Tensions Amid Nobel Peace Prize Reminders
Global Shifts: Navalny's Legacy, China's Taiwan Pressure, Saudi Arabia's Fintech Boom, and Middle East Tensions
Nicaragua Cuts Ties with Israel Amid Rising Global Tensions and Domestic Political Shifts
Putin and Pezeshkian Forge Economic Ties as Geopolitical Tensions Rise Across Middle East
Saudi Arabia Pursues Sustainable Future Amid Middle East Tensions and Iraq's Cultural Revival
Global Leaders Address Middle East Tensions Amid Regional Security Initiatives and Cultural Innovations
Bridging Cultures and Innovations: From Arabic Sign Language Tech to Saudi Heritage and Global Exhibitions
Cybersecurity Breach at Intesa Sanpaolo and Global Scandals: A Rundown of Key Developments
Noor Riyadh Celebrates Light Art Festival Amidst Middle East Tensions and Global Diplomatic Moves
Saudi Arabia Strengthens Global Economic Ties: Key Agreements and Strategic Investments Highlighted at Forums
Somalia Welcomes Egyptian Peacekeepers Amid Global Geopolitical Shifts and Economic Initiatives
Nobel Peace Prize 2024 Celebrates Japanese Atomic Bomb Survivors' Quest for a Nuclear-Free World
Global Tensions Rise: Spain Halts Arms Sales to Israel Amid Condemnation, While Middle East Conflicts Escalate
Global Alliances and Regional Tensions: A Week of Diplomatic Moves and Digital Advances
Global Challenges: UNHCR's Statelessness Victory, Hurricane Milton's Aftermath, and Rising Geopolitical Tensions
Historic Floods Reshape Sahara Desert Landscape
US Seeks Diplomatic Resolution in Lebanon Amid Rising Tensions
Ireland Urges Israel to Cease Fire on UN Peacekeepers in Lebanon
Global Tensions Unfold: ASEAN Summit Criticizes China's Actions, Middle East Violence Escalates, and Ukraine Seeks Ally Support
Global Unrest: Mining Tragedy in Balochistan, Israel-Palestine Tensions, and Exploitation in Russia Contrast Tesla's Tech Innovations
Global Tensions Rise: Germany's Arms to Israel, Turkey's Influence in Albania, and Crises in Gaza and South Sudan
Saudi Arabia Unveils New Tourism Codes Amid Regional Diplomatic and Humanitarian Developments
Saudi Arabia's Dynamic Week: Market Gains, Innovative Initiatives, and Community Development
EU and GCC Summit Aims to Alleviate Arab Conflicts and Boost €170 Billion Trade Partnership Amidst Global Turmoil
Saudi Arabia and Oman Forge Green Economy Pact Amidst Cultural and Technological Advances
Gaza Tragedy Sparks Outrage as Saudi Arabia and France Strengthen Defense Ties Amid Regional Conflicts
Oman's Economic Resilience Amid Regional Tensions: S&P Upgrades Credit Rating; Saudi Arabia Advances Social and Industrial Growth
KAUST to Host Prestigious World Academic Summit Amidst Global Unrest and Escalating Conflicts
Turkish Energy Bourse Eyes Carbon Markets and IPO Amid Global Chaos: Geopolitical Tensions, Natural Disasters, and Notable Losses
Global Leaders Address Economic and Security Challenges Amidst Rising Tensions at ASEAN and East Asia Summits
US Warns Israel Against Expanded Military Operations Amid Rising Tensions in the Middle East
Global Update: UNICEF Reveals Dire Sexual Violence Stats in Africa, NLD Faces Turmoil in Myanmar, and DACA Under Review While Storms and Safety Threats Unfold
Tensions Rise in Middle East as Lebanese Army Arrests Syrian Spies and Israel Intensifies Strikes, Amid U.S. Political Shifts and Nobel Prize Announcements
Tragic Missile Strike in Odesa, Hurricane Milton Threatens Florida, and UK Conservative Leadership Race Heats Up
Saudi Arabia's Strategic Moves: Wage Insurance for Foreign Workers and Strengthening Global Diplomatic Ties Amid Regional Turmoil
Saudi Arabia's Dynamic Shift: From Global Market Access to Cultural Innovation and Biotech Ambitions Under Vision 2030
×