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Seven of the world’s leading aviation technology authorities have jointly pledged to propel the industry to reach a remarkable milestone – net zero carbon emissions for civil aviation by 2050. This commitment was announced by the Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) of major global aviation manufacturers, including Airbus, Boeing, Dassault Aviation, GE Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, and Safran.

These CTOs collectively highlight the integral role of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in accomplishing this ambitious goal. Despite the industry’s prolonged emphasis on developing fuel-efficient aircraft technologies, the aviation titans have acknowledged that a greater uptake of SAF is crucial to offset the projected surge in aviation CO2 emissions, expected to be spurred by increased global air travel.

Their commitment is divided into three key areas: the development of advanced aircraft and propulsion technologies, operational and infrastructural improvements in aircraft, and the vigorous support of policies and measures that expedite the availability and uptake of SAF.

“SAF’s production and utilization are a critical juncture to realize the aviation sector’s net-zero emissions goal by 2050,” the joint statement explained. However, with SAF currently meeting less than 0.1% of the global jet fuel demand, there’s a substantial gap to bridge.

High SAF prices, typically two to five times that of traditional jet fuel, and competition from other sectors vying for renewable fuels pose significant obstacles. The aviation CTOs acknowledged these hurdles, emphasizing the need for policies and initiatives that stimulate investment, reduce costs, and encourage industry uptake.

These policies include the US Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which presents a blender’s tax credit and funding for advanced technologies and infrastructure to bolster SAF production and distribution capacity. The Act also fosters initiatives that develop fuel-efficient aircraft or work towards reducing emissions from flying. The role of Public-Private Partnerships, like the FAA FAST Tech Program, is deemed crucial to enhance OEM adoption, testing, and technical clearance of emerging SAF pathways.

The aviation leaders also commended the agreement on ReFuelEU Aviation, which aims to augment the deployment of SAF in air transport. They expressed anticipation for the imminent legislation and called for robust industrial support policies to accelerate the commercial scale availability of SAF and synthetic kerosene, building on the work of the Industrial Alliance for Renewable and Low Carbon Fuels.

The CTOs believe Public-Private Partnerships can significantly boost SAF development and use through policy alignment and financial incentives. Policymakers can expedite these processes by offering sustained support to the multi-year development of novel technologies, stimulating capacity ramp-up, and providing more extraordinary public policy and financial backing to accelerate SAF production and distribution over surface transportation fuels.

In their joint commitment, they emphasized the importance of working closely with the aviation industry and fuel suppliers in developing infrastructure and investment in SAF production capacity. Setting standards for the qualification of 100% SAF pathways, compatible with engines and aircraft for civil and defense applications, was highlighted as necessary.

Finally, the CTOs pledged their collective efforts to support policies that increase the supply of SAF while ensuring consistent demand through globally harmonized measures. Emphasizing their industry’s role in connecting people, economies, and nations, they expressed a unified belief in a prosperous and sustainable future for aviation. This vision, they believe, can be made a reality through the near-term implementation of lasting industry-wide and global harmonized policies.

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