The chief of an international airline industry body has called for a higher usage of green fuel to preserve and ensure the sustainability of air travel in the coming years. The plea arises as the aviation sector faces intensified scrutiny and demands to decrease its carbon footprint and actively participate in the global fight against climate change. By embracing sustainable aviation fuel, the sector can play a pivotal role in significantly reducing the adverse environmental effects associated with air transportation.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), representing airlines globally, has stressed the importance of transitioning to greener sources of fuel. The head of the association, whose members account for approximately 82% of total air traffic, emphasized the need for urgent action to meet the industry’s climate commitments and protect the future viability of air travel.

Airline companies have been grappling with the environmental impacts of their operations, particularly the significant greenhouse gas emissions generated by burning conventional jet fuel. Sustainable aviation fuel, also known as biojet fuel or SAF, offers a viable alternative as it is produced from renewable feedstocks such as cooking oil, plants, or agricultural waste.

The use of SAF can lead to a considerable reduction of carbon dioxide emissions compared to traditional jet fuel, while also significantly cutting other harmful pollutants. It has been estimated that using SAF could lower aviation emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional fuel.

Despite growing interest and investment in sustainable aviation fuel, the industry still faces challenges in scaling up production and achieving cost parity with traditional jet fuel. Currently, SAF makes up only a fraction of the total fuel consumed by airlines worldwide.

To overcome these barriers, collaborations and partnerships among governments, airlines, biofuel producers, and investors are crucial. Governments can support the industry’s transition by implementing favorable policies and incentives, such as tax advantages and funding for research and development.

Furthermore, industry players need to establish long-term supply agreements, create robust supply chains, and encourage the growth of a sustainable aviation fuel market. The involvement of investors can help drive innovation and provide financial support for scaling up production capacity.

In conclusion, the chief of an international airline industry body has called for the expanded use of green fuel in order to safeguard the future of air travel. The adoption of sustainable aviation fuel can significantly reduce the environmental impact of the aviation sector and contribute to the global effort to combat climate change. However, to achieve widespread use, collaboration among governments, airlines, biofuel producers, and investors is essential to overcome existing barriers and ensure a sustainable and economically viable future for the industry.