46 Percent of aviation decision-makers think that the industry will meet the net zero targets for 2050. Another 32 percent say it won’t and 22 percent are unsure. That is the outcome of a pre-Paris Airshow survey from Ipsos that was commissioned by GE Aerospace that was released on Thursday. Aerospace leaders not sure if 2050 targets will be met.
Those who believe the targets will be met identify rising costs, budgetary pressure, supply issues, and energy sources/the availability of sufficient SAF and green hydrogen as factors that could stand in the way of meeting them.
It needs governments to accelerate the industry to reach net zero, 29 percent of the 325 decision-makers in six countries responded. In particular, governments should drive investment in SAF production, which they see as the “leading alternative” to reach the goals. But 61 percent prefer incentives and policy support over mandates and regulations, which reflects the point of view of many airlines within IATA. 17 percent of respondents said that investors should accelerate sustainability.
Although there is some debate then about who should do what, 76 percent of respondents say that sustainability has changed the way the aerospace industry operates. They are firmly aligned to really investing in net zero technology in the coming years. 88 Percent of those interviewed say that their company has sustainability strategies in place and is having an impact on their business. Sustainability is at the top of the agenda for 30 percent of the respondents, ahead of the supply chain (19 percent), and labor issues (11 percent).
51 Percent say that progress is going too slow, while 41 percent think initiatives are going at the right pace. Only 8 percent say the industry is going too fast, which is 22 percent in the oil-rich regions in the UAE. And while 83 percent of respondents say that sustainability strategies are on the right track and 17 percent wrong, the US stands out with 42 percent who think they are on the wrong track.
In a GE media statement, Vice President and General Manager of Commercial Programs Strategy, Allen Paxson, says: “These results show that the aviation industry is focused on the goal of achieving net zero CO2 emissions by 2050, while also recognizing the need to accelerate efforts and ensure all key stakeholders are on the playing field. With GE Aerospace and our partner engines powering three-quarters of the world’s flights, we recognize the important responsibility we have to meet the industry ramp and do so more sustainably and more efficiently for our customers.”
Active as a journalist since 1987, with a background in newspapers, magazines, and a regional news station, Richard has been covering commercial aviation on a freelance basis since late 2016.
Richard is contributing to AirInsight since December 2018. He also writes for Airliner World, Aviation News, Piloot & Vliegtuig, and Luchtvaartnieuws Magazine. Twitter: @rschuur_aero.
