The Secretary of State for Transport has unveiled updated plans aimed at tackling emissions and promoting more sustainable aviation through the creation of a dynamic new group. This initiative is part of the UK’s broader strategy to transition towards clean energy and stimulate economic growth.
The Jet Zero Taskforce will play a key role in driving the transformation of the aviation industry, ensuring that future flying is more sustainable. The taskforce’s formation builds on the previous Jet Zero Council and will focus on advancing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), supporting zero-emission flights, and improving aviation systems for greater efficiency.
A major feature of the new structure includes an annual meeting at the CEO level, chaired by the Transport Secretary, to set priorities and review progress. The first meeting of the taskforce is scheduled for December 4, 2024, and SAF will be at the top of the agenda. The government remains committed to establishing a robust and resilient UK SAF industry, which was reinforced last week with the signing of the SAF Mandate into law. Starting January 1, 2025, the mandate will require an increase in the SAF percentage in overall jet fuel, aiming for 22% by 2040. This will be achieved through a combination of household waste and advanced technologies such as power-to-liquid.
The taskforce will also address other important issues, including the sector’s demand for greenhouse gas removals and the non-CO2 impacts of aviation, such as the environmental effects of vapour trails.
The taskforce’s membership has been carefully selected to represent all areas of the aviation industry, ensuring comprehensive representation in the push for sustainable aviation.
Louise Haigh, the Secretary of State for Transport, emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change and reaffirmed her commitment to working with the industry to create a greener aviation sector. “We need to make flying cleaner and greener, and the Jet Zero Taskforce will be central to driving this transformation,” she said.
Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK, expressed confidence that the UK could lead the world in net-zero aviation, while stressing the importance of collaboration across the entire sector. “Working together with government and industry will be essential for achieving rapid progress and ushering in a new era of sustainable air travel,” he noted.
In addition to its domestic efforts, the UK government is investing up to £450,000 to support international aviation decarbonisation, helping developing countries access financing for SAF and reduce carbon emissions from international flights.
Holly Boyd-Boland, VP of Corporate Development at Virgin Atlantic, highlighted the importance of radical collaboration to decarbonize the sector and expressed enthusiasm about her role as industry chair for the Jet Zero Taskforce. “By working together, we can achieve net-zero emissions by 2050,” she stated.
This initiative is part of the UK’s broader target to reduce emissions by 81% by 2035, a goal set at COP29 in Azerbaijan. The ambitious target is expected to drive economic growth and attract investment.
The launch of the taskforce comes just days before the 80th anniversary of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), with its Secretary General, Juan Carlos Salazar Gómez, visiting the UK to sign a memorandum of understanding with the UK government, covering all areas of UK-ICAO cooperation.
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