Destination 2050 Roadmap in the news

The launch of the updated Destination 2050 Roadmap has sparked significant media attention, focussing on both the European aviation industry’s commitment to decarbonisation, and the challenges it faces. As a key partner in this initiative, ASD is pleased to see the roadmap’s ambitious goals and need for concerted multi-stakeholder efforts recognised across news outlets. Below is a roundup of the recent coverage, showcasing the industry’s determination to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. 

Agence Europe

In an article by Anne Damiani, Agence Europe highlights the urgent call from European aviation for increased investment in sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). The article underscores the need for a comprehensive aviation strategy that balances economic growth with net-zero goals. Vincent De Vroey, ASD’s Director of Civil Aviation is quoted, highlighting the risks of raw material shortages disrupting the supply chain, while Magda Kopczyńska, Director-General for Mobility and Transport at the European Commission, stressed the importance of energy independence. The piece reflects the industry’s unified call for bold policymaking to accelerate SAF production. 

Aviation24.be

Bart Noëth of Aviation24.be reports on the European aviation sector’s call for the European Commission to prioritise sustainability in its aviation strategy. The article highlights the Destination 2050 Roadmap’s focus on technological advancements, SAF deployment, and operational efficiencies, which are projected to deliver 83% of emissions reductions by 2050. He explains that industry leaders, including ASD, stress the importance of integrating aviation into the Clean Industrial Deal and the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan, ensuring a balanced approach to decarbonisation and economic viability. 

Aviation International News

Charles Alcock of Aviation International News reports on the collective push by European aviation for the European Commission to advance its net-zero decarbonisation policies. The article focuses on the broader industry demand for policy changes to support the transition to sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). This coverage reinforces the aviation sector’s proactive stance in addressing climate challenges. 

Aviation Week

Victoria Moores of Aviation Week highlights ASD’s advocacy for protecting funding for the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and aerospace research as part of EU support for decarbonisation. The article underscores the importance of adequate resources for testing and deploying new technologies, which are essential for achieving net-zero emissions. Vincent De Vroey is quoted as saying: “Even today, already, they [EASA] have some resource issues. That means some projects are already facing some delays. We have to solve that problem.”

Aviation Week Network

Helen Massy-Beresford of Aviation Week Network reports on the updated cost estimates for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, now totalling €2.4 trillion. The article highlights the critical role of SAFs, which are expected to make up 80% of the fuel mix by 2050, and the reduced expectations for hydrogen technology. Massy-Beresford emphasises the industry’s call for investment incentives and SAF allowances to bridge the cost gap, underscoring the need for supportive policies to achieve decarbonisation goals. 

Financial Times   

Philip Georgiadis and Sylvia Pfeifer of the Financial Times explore the aviation industry’s increasing focus on SAFs. The article notes that hydrogen’s contribution to emission reductions has been revised downward, while SAFs are now seen as the primary solution. Despite the challenges of higher costs and limited production, the industry remains committed to achieving net-zero emissions. Airbus’s continued investment in hydrogen technology and industry’s investment in multiple decarbonisation solutions reflect the sector’s adaptability and determination to reach the goal of net-zero emissions.

Green Mobility Magazine

Thomas Hayden-Lefebvre of Green Mobility Magazine provides an in-depth analysis of the updated Destination 2050 Roadmap. The article praises the roadmap’s collaborative approach, involving key stakeholders across the aviation industry, and highlights progress since 2021, including advancements in SAF deployment and research. Hayden-Lefebvre notes the roadmap’s emphasis on technological innovation, international cooperation, and the need for an EU Industrial Strategy for SAFs. While acknowledging criticism from environmental groups, the article underscores the aviation industry’s commitment to balancing growth with sustainability. 

Les Echos

Bruno Trévidic of Les Echos notes the scale of investment needed to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The article highlights SAFs as the primary tool for decarbonisation, accounting for 56% of expected CO2 reductions, while new technologies and fleet modernisation contribute 27%. Trévidic emphasises the need for urgent investment in SAF production and CO₂ capture technologies to meet climate targets. 

Le Soir

Jean-François Munster of Le Soir also reported on the Destination 2050 Roadmap, emphasising the revised cost estimates for decarbonising aviation. The article highlights the significant role of SAFs and the challenges posed by higher costs and current production shortfalls. Munster notes the roadmap’s call for increased investment in SAF production and fleet renewal, as well as the need for additional measures to align with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C target. 

Science|Business

An article by Martin Greenacre for Science|Business highlights that the European aviation sector faces a €500 billion increase in decarbonisation costs, according to the revised Destination 2050 roadmap. The report, he explains, now estimates the total cost of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 at €1.3 trillion, up from €820 billion. The article also notes that the roadmap identifies sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as the most critical factor, projecting it will deliver 36% of emissions reductions, but that the high cost and limited availability of SAF remain significant challenges.

The articles notes that the aviation industry is calling on the European Commission to boost research funding, streamline regulations, and support SAF production to meet climate goals. Vincent De Vroey, ASD's Civil Aviation Director, is also quoted on importance of EASA on the path to net-zero aviation: “Today the agency is already quite stretched. We hope that EASA will be recognised as a special agency for which you cannot just cut the budget, because if you cut the budget of EASA, there will be delays to industrial projects, and that’s not going to help decarbonisation.”