Sustainable Aviation has launched an updated manifesto calling for the next UK government to “accelerate” the industry’s move towards net zero, including the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) “at scale” during the current decade.
The group, which is made up of airlines, airports, aerospace manufacturers and fuel producers, said it wants to see at least five UK-based SAF plants under construction in 2025 to ensure the country is “well placed to take early mover advantage of SAF production and supply”.
The manifesto was unveiled at the UK Parliament in London on Monday (11 March). Other key demands include accelerating the airspace modernisation programme and “securing capacity to meet the required energy and carbon removals demand” to help the industry achieve net zero by 2050.
“The next Parliament has the potential to set UK aviation on an exciting path to net zero carbon flight and lower levels of aviation noise,” said Sustainable Aviation in its manifesto.
Matt Gorman, chair of Sustainable Aviation and sustainability director at London Heathrow airport, added: “Great strides have been taken in recent years, including the universal adoption of the 2050 net zero target, the world-first 100 per cent transatlantic SAF flight from London and test flights using hydrogen aircraft here in the UK.
“Sustainable Aviation is calling on government to take decisive action to accelerate our transition to net zero flight, so we can realise the substantial social, economic and environmental benefits of sustainable aviation.”
The current UK government has created an Advanced Fuels Fund to help boost the SAF industry, as well as promising to produce a “revenue certainty” scheme to encourage private investment in production facilities. It has also made the “ambitious commitment” of having at least five commercial SAF plants under construction by 2025.
Sustainable Aviation is now appealing to the next UK government to make commitments to helping the industry move towards net zero. A general election must be held in the UK by January 2025 at the latest.