Energy & Sustainability on Top of the Agenda

This week we report on IATA’s Aviation Energy Forum where the #engergytransition was discussed alongside the pathways to #FlyNetZero by 2050. In parallel we announce the latest joiners of the IATA Environmental Assessment as the program expands to airports and Ground Service Providers. The #weeklychart analyzes the strong travel rebound globally with the exception of China and finally there’s a line-up of industry webinars to sign up to.

Highlights of IATA Aviation Energy Forum in India

The 85th Aviation Energy Forum took place last week in Delhi, #India in recognition to the country’s potential of becoming the third biggest aviation market globally.

Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Secretary Shri Rajiv Bansal opened the conference with their outlooks and prospects for the Indian market as they are targeting 1 billion passengers by 2040.

Against the industry’s #FlyNetZero resolution and the adoption of the The International Civil Aviation Organization Long-Term Aspirational Goals, the 500+ delegates from 43 countries discussed the challenges of decarbonization, the opportunities for #sustainableaviationfuel (SAF) and new propulsion systems such as #hydrogen and #electric.

There was a split between commercial and technical sessions looking more closely at conventional jet fuel and SAF, and the current challenges around ramping up production, feedstock and wider availability to reach the industry target by 2050.

We look forward to the next edition of this conference next May in Seattle, USA.

IATA’s Environmental Assessment Expands to Airports and Ground Service Providers

IATA launched the IATA Environmental Assessment for Airports and Ground Service Providers (IEnvA for Airports and GSPs) and Edmonton International Airport (YEG) became its first participant.

IEnvA for Airports and GSPs is an expansion of the successful IEnvA for Airlines. IEnvA programs enable participants to build robust environmental management plans with continual performance improvements. Some 50 airlines are part of the IEnvA program, with 34 of them fully certified while the others are in the process.

“IEnvA has a solid track record of improving the environmental performance of airlines. As the aviation industry committed to improving sustainability, including achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, the expansion of IEnvA to airports and GSPs is critical. With Edmonton International Airport’s pioneering participation in the expanded program, we have a clear signal that the industry’s sustainability commitments are being actioned in a systematic results-oriented approach across the value chain,” said Sebastian Mikosz, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Environment and Sustainability.

Latest IEnva joiners
Press release: IATA to Expand Environmental Assessment Certification to Airports and GSPs
Learn more about IEnvA

Travel Rebounds as Restrictions Ease Except in China

International air travel bookings have now reached around 80% of pre-pandemic levels in both North America & Europe. Japan’s recent measures to allow tourists to visit the country without a visa since October and the lifting of a cap on daily arrivals have translated into a raise of bookings and international traffic jumping more than 30%.

On the other hand in China multiple airlines had previewed increases to their international flights in October while the government announced a shortening of quarantine periods. But these measures haven’t impacted bookings in any meaningful way and international ticket bookings remain at less than 5% of pre-pandemic levels.

Find how #COVID19 measures continue to impact travel in China via the #weeklychart