In marking the world environment day, African Airlines Associations, AFRAA, has reiterated its commitment to the aviation industry in attaining Aviation Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050.
The body in a press release said that attaining Net Zero emissions by 2050 is an existential necessity adding that the African aviation industry is progressively contributing its part to global emission goals but rightly demands the latitude to continue to accommodate the growing demand for air travel.
In this regard, the 54th AFRAA Annual General Assembly took a Resolution on environment RES AGA 54/11 with a call to action by various industry stakeholders.
The 54th AFRAA AGA Resolve to:
1. Call on the governments of African Union Member States to commit to long-term net zero emission goals aligned to the Decision of the 41st ICAO Assembly and the Paris Agreement goal for global warming not to exceed 1.5 degrees Celcius without compromising the aviation growth potential in Africa:
2. Encourage all AFRAA member airlines to continue improving their operations’ efficiency to achieve sustained in-sector emissions reductions and to support the transition to reliable, cost-competitive sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
3. Direct AFRAA to mobilise resources to assist airlines through capacity building and knowledge sharing on Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), and Long-Term Global Aspirational Goal (LTAG) for net zero carbon emission by 2050.
4. Urge all industry stakeholders to commit to addressing the environmental impact of their policies, products, and activities with concrete actions and clear timelines, specifically including:
Fuel-producing companies providing large scale, cost-competitive sustainable aviation fuels to the market;
Governments and air navigation service providers eliminating inefficiencies in air traffic management and airspace infrastructure;
Aircraft and engine manufacturers producing more efficient airframe and propulsion technologies; and
Airport operators providing the needed infrastructure to supply SAF in a cost-effective manner, not exceeding existing infrastructure costs.
