ICAO continues to advocate for expanded partnerships to ensure an inclusive green transition
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), supported by a diverse coalition of global stakeholders, reaffirmed its commitment to the global civil aviation industry achieving its commitment towards NetZero carbon emissions by 2050. The global civil aviation regulator recently organised the 2024 Long-Term Aspirational Goal (LTAG) Stocktaking event held at ICAO Headquarters at Montréal in Canada.
In a press statement, ICAO says that with approximately 400 participants, this landmark event provided a platform for governments, industry leaders, energy experts, researchers and civil society to showcase innovations and successful projects while charting pathways toward a more sustainable aviation industry.
The statement adds that Salvatore Sciacchitano, ICAO Council President, opened the four-day event.
Salvatore Sciacchitano
“We gather to address one of aviation’s most significant challenges, achieving NetZero carbon emissions by 2050. We are here to share progress, learn from each other, and chart our path forward. This Stocktaking event represents another important step in our journey towards this ambitious target,” said Sciacchitano in his address.
The statement adds that discussions centred on a variety of critical issues, including advancements in aircraft technology, hydrogen integration in aviation, operational efficiencies and airport infrastructure modernisation.
Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) were a key focus, with in-depth sessions on policies, partnerships, certification processes, and financing aimed at accelerating their adoption across the industry.
Juan Carlos Salazar
Juan Carlos Salazar, ICAO Secretary General, emphasised the sector’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
“We have to increase our outreach regarding our efforts and successes, highlighting aviation as a responsible sector, with concrete pathways towards NetZero, and prioritising the aviation sector in the minds of policy and decision makers in all levels of government,” Salazar said.
ICAO says that a significant highlight of the event was the introduction of the ICAO Finvest Hub, a new initiative aimed at connecting decarbonisation projects with potential investors.
“The ICAO Finvest Hub is our contribution to facilitate financing for the decarbonisation of the aviation sector,” Salazar added.
ICAO says that the Hub will simplify access to funding for energy developers, fuel producers, and infrastructure managers while promoting cooperation on risk mitigation mechanisms during the early stages of project planning.
The statement adds that ICAO’s Assistance, Capacity Building, and Training for SAF (ACT-SAF) programme was presented, with over 200 partners working to support training, feasibility studies and business implementation in the production of sustainable fuels.
ICAO says it continues to advocate for expanded partnerships through ACT-SAF to ensure an inclusive green transition for the global aviation community.
It adds that as the aviation industry forges ahead in its quest for a sustainable future, the ICAO LTAG Stocktaking event will continue to serve as a catalyst for collaboration and knowledge sharing, leading the way toward achieving NetZero emissions.
It goes on to say that the event’s outcomes will directly contribute to discussions at ICAO’s next assembly, scheduled for September 2025, where 193 member states will work to advance the sector’s decarbonisation goals.
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