Arlington, Va. – Today, the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) announced a commitment for commercial aviation manufacturers to work with airline customers and governments around the world to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. As part of that commitment, AIA is spearheading a groundbreaking study to analyze the state of sustainable aviation technologies in the United States and identify the types of public policies and investments necessary to achieving this vision.
“Innovation is at the heart of what we do as an industry and what will enable a more sustainable aviation future. While strong progress has been made in the energy efficiency of aircraft, we have the opportunity now to make investments in next-generation technology that will propel the industry into a brighter, greener future. Committing to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 isn’t just a pledge to secure a more sustainable aviation ecosystem, it is a testament to the confidence we have in our industry’s ability to innovate,” said Eric Fanning, President and CEO of AIA.
AIA represents more than 320 manufacturers and suppliers across every sector and tier of the aerospace and defense (A&D) industries. Although aviation only accounts for about 2 percent of human-produced CO2 emissions, AIA’s commitment is the latest development in decades of advances in A&D energy efficiency. Since 1978, U.S. aircraft energy efficiency has improved by 130 percent, eclipsing those in any other form of transportation.
As commercial aviation activities continue to expand and novel aircraft take to the skies, the need for more sustainable processes becomes more pressing. Advances in three prominent focus areas in recent years have led to the development of sustainable aviation fuel, hybrid-electric propulsion systems, and advanced aircraft technology and modernization.
AIA’s commitment joins the pledges outlined by several U.S. airlines and the industry association Airlines for America. More information on AIA’s commitment to a sustainable future is available here.
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