Toulouse Declaration – New European Aviation Mission
-
The breakthrough ‘Toulouse Declaration’ is the first public-private partnership supporting and fully aligned with both European and global net-zero carbon emission targets by 2050
-
Even though aviation produces only 4% of Europe’s carbon emissions, it is the fastest-growing sector; achieving net-zero emissions will be a challenge given the growing demand – 10 billion people are expected to fly in 2050
-
Net-zero targets are achievable through a collective effort of various stakeholders and implementing multiple measures such as sustainable aviation fuel, carbon capture, and efficient operations and infrastructure
Toulouse Declaration – New European Aviation Mission
On February 4, 2022, 35 European countries and 146 industry stakeholders, including the five leading European aviation associations, signed the “Toulouse Declaration.” The initiative launched by the French EU presidency is the first-ever public-private partnership to support the decarbonization goals of the industry. The declaration, signed by more than 200 European airports, creates a roadmap for reforms in the aviation sector to reach the net-zero goals by 2050. The initiative will also channel R&D, investments, and innovations to develop a sustainable aviation ecosystem.
The five leading European aviation associations are also represented through Destination 2050 - Airlines for Europe (A4E), Airports Council International Europe (ACI Europe), Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD), European Regions Airline Association (ERA), and Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO). For context, in February 2021, these five associations, representing the European aviation ecosystem, launched a sustainability initiative called “Destination 2050”. This flagship initiative laid out the same net-zero emission targets, aligned with the European Union’s climate goals and the Paris Agreement.
The declaration is expected to support the Destination 2050 partners’ call to establish the EU Pact for Aviation Decarbonisation. The partners expect the pact to ensure a structured dialogue between policymakers and the industry and concrete and supportive policy and financial measures to encourage sustainable aviation.
The supporters of the Toulouse Declaration also agreed to work on the UN’s International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) global goal for international aviation, which is aligned with the net-zero emission target by 2050. The long-term plan will be adopted later this year at the ICAO’s 41st Assembly in September.
European Aviation Emissions
According to the European Federation for Transport and Environment, the European aviation sector produces 4% of the total carbon emissions. Compared to other sectors, though relatively small, carbon emissions in the aviation sector are one of the fastest-growing. For context, in 2018, carbon emissions from airlines grew 4.9% in Europe compared to other sectors such as coal and cement plants, which are covered by emission trading, which declined 3.9% overall.
The COVID-19-related flight bans resulted in a decline in passengers, but the sector is expected to recover within a few years and continue the growth trend. According to GlobalData, airline operations in Europe generated revenue of $92.4 billion in 2020, an annual decline of 73%. However, the sector revived in 2021, with a more than 50% jump in revenue to $158.8 billion. Favorable government policies and advanced infrastructure have given the ease to the aviation industry in Europe. Leaders in this established market have already started their march towards net-zero. The following are some major European aviation companies and their sustainability initiatives:
Air France–KLM – A Major European Airlines
Air France KLM has set a net-zero target of 2030 for ground operations and 2050 for flight operations in the European Union. The company has advocated for sustainable aviation fuel and co-founded SkyNRG, the global leader in sustainable aviation fuel. It uses advanced technologies such as big data analytics to optimize flight operations. For route optimizations in line with the European policy of a single European sky and reduction in flight load, Air France-KLM has also helped the company to achieve better fuel efficiency. For waste reduction and on-flight waste materials, the company has taken steps to reduce waste in the office, mainly paper and production waste such as aircraft seats and cargo pallets.
Airbus – The Leading Aircraft Manufacturer
Airbus is the leader in the aerospace sector and has set a net-zero emissions target by 2050. Airbus has halved emissions per passenger kilometer by 2021. Airbus has improvised the aerodynamics of its product and used advanced materials to achieve this feat. Now, Airbus is focusing on new engines and sustainable aviation fuels. Airbus has formed meaningful partnerships with bodies such as Clean Sky and Hydrogen Council, which have a mission to improvise aviation fuel. With innovative products, Airbus has started working on the concept of hydrogen fuel aircraft and electric vertical take-off landing multicopter.
Thales – Aviation Technology Innovator
Thales provides solutions for air traffic management. It has Dassault Aviation as a strategic shareholder, one of the leading innovators in the aerospace sector. Air traffic solutions ensure operating efficiency by optimizing flight times, securing flight paths, and reducing fossil fuel use. Air traffic management generates a humongous amount of data, and to process it, Thales is trying to implement artificial intelligence, which will consume lesser energy. Thales has a mission to “100% eco-design” by 2023, an initiative that promotes the use of bio-sourced or recycled materials in its final product.
Related Data & Insights
Still looking?
Don’t wait - discover a universe of connected data & insights with your next search. Browse over 28M data points across 22 industries.
Explorer
Access more premium companies when you subscribe to Explorer