The sustained recovery in tourism has considerably accelerated the return to health of the air transport sector. While the sector has not yet returned to 2019 levels, it is very close to them, and passenger numbers should continue to grow in the years ahead. Yet this phenomenon is completely at odds with the current climate emergency highlighted by the IPCC in its numerous reports. Given that the aviation sector is responsible for 2.6% of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide in 2018, its sustainable transition represents a major challenge for the future not only of the tourism industry but also of the planet. While some advocate limiting the number of flights a person takes in a lifetime, what strategies are industry professionals adopting to achieve the promised carbon neutrality by 2050?
The race to decarbonise is gathering pace
The sustainable transition of the aviation sector has been at the heart of all the debates of late, both from the industry and from government bodies. It's a subject that is gaining momentum as studies and studies demonstrate the urgent need to take effective action to combat global warming, which is accelerating day by day. Aware of the urgency of achieving the airline industry's zero-emission objectives, IATA recently announced that it would be holding the World Sustainability Symposium (WSS) in Madrid on 3 and 4 October. These two days will be devoted to exchanging ideas and reflecting on the strategies and actions to be put in place to decarbonise aviation by 2050.
In France, the Bourget International Paris Air Show was held in June, bringing together hundreds of industry players for several days. It was an opportunity to discuss the need to decarbonise the sector through the development of innovative aircraft and new alternative fuels. The show was also attended by Emmanuel Macron, who voiced his support for the French aviation sector as an industry of excellence that makes a major contribution to the country's economy. His words were warmly welcomed by Pascal de Izaguirre, President of the Fnam (Fédération Nationale de l'Aviation et de ses Métiers).
Pascal de Izaguirre was delighted with the government's support for the sustainable revolution in the aviation sector. This revolution will involve new technologies such as hybrid, electric and hydrogen, as well as the possibility of flying aircraft using 100% sustainable aviation fuels. The Fnam also expresses its ambition to make the decarbonisation of the sector a long-term process, with the aim of preserving the democratisation of air transport.
While electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft are still a long way off, for the time being the industry must...
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