WTTC calls for governments to “get serious” on incentivizing Sustainable Aviation Fuel

In the face of mounting concerns over civil aviation and its contribution to climate change, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has underscored the urgent need for governments to not only commit to, but invest in initiatives that will rapidly accelerate the adoption and incentivize of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The implications of failing to do so, they suggest, are dire and demand an immediate response.

1. WTTC Urges Governments to Prioritize Sustainable Aviation Fuel

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has called on governments to prioritize sustainable aviation fuel to help the industry reduce its carbon emissions and achieve long-term, net-zero goals. Alternative fuels are seen by the WTTC as a key element in helping the aviation industry remain competitive and reduce their emissions.

The use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) can help reduce carbon emissions by up to 80%. The benefits of embracing SAF include significant contributions in the decarbonization of the aviation industry, including:

• Long-term carbon reduction. SAF is a clean burning, renewable, and low-emission alternative to jet fuel, making it a significant component of the industry’s decarbonization strategy.
• Cost savings. SAF can reduce an airline’s dependence on traditional jet fuel, reducing operational costs significantly.
• Improve environmental performance. SAF has the potential to reduce noise and air pollution, as well as improve air quality.

The WTTC urges governments to implement policies and support initiatives to ensure the widespread availability of sustainable aviation fuels and other alternative energy sources.

2. Greener Skies Ahead: Exploring Incentives for Safer Aviation

Sustainable aviation can seem like a daunting goal, but there are plenty of incentives for airlines to take steps towards cleaner and safer skies. Here are two of the main reasons:

• Lower carbon emissions from the transportation sector can reduce the harms associated with global warming and climate change. Governments and airline companies alike can explore incentives to decrease their reliance on fossil fuels.
• New technology can also reduce the earth’s finite resources and save money. Airlines can invest in lighter and more efficient aircraft, or use alternative fuels to reduce fuel burn.

The aviation industry is pushed to its limits every day, but new advances in fuel-efficient technology can help reduce the number of passengers and cargo in the sky. These technologies can decrease air travel’s overall carbon footprint and reduce air pollution in our cities. Airlines can look for innovative ways to conserve energy, develop clean energy-based sources for air travel, and increase their efficiency to reduce noise pollution and emissions. Ultimately, safe, sustainable aviation is a win-win. Airlines have the potential to innovate their operations and save money while contributing to the overall well-being of the planet.

3. Long-Term Commitment: Why Governments Need to Act Now

The world will not wait for us when it comes to the climate emergency. Legacy commitments and current inaction is having a devastating impact on our planet, and long-term change is needed. Governments have an important role to play in leading us to a better future.

To ensure that these commitments stick, governments must see climate action through both in terms of financial investment and political will:

• Financial Investment: Governments need to strengthen spending on green energy and providing incentives for private and public sectors to transition to sustainable practices.
• Political Will: This requires consistent messages from elected representatives on the urgency of the climate crisis and the need to take immediate collective action to address it.

We can no longer move our feet in the same circle; governments have to make fundamental changes to their approaches to encourage rapid and sustainable transformation. It is up to each of us to hold them accountable for taking action now if we are to avoid crisis in the future.

4. Reaching for the Skies: Creating the Road Map for Sustainable Aviation Fuel

From daily air travel to international cargo shipments, aviation has become an integral part of our lives and is one of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions. Yet, with the emergence of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), it could become a major contributor to combatting climate change.

SAF is derived from renewable sources such as cellulosic biomass and converted into hydrocarbons to make fuel. It has achieved lifecycle carbon reductions of at least 75% compared to conventional fossil fuel, so it is ideally placed to reduce aviation emissions. However, realizing this potential will require the aviation sector to pursue a comprehensive strategy of investment, research, and policy alignment.

• Investment: The cost of developing and scaling up production of SAFs is one of the biggest obstacles to the mass use of these fuels. There needs to be a concerted effort from airlines, investors, and governments to drive development and commercialization.
• Research: Research into new fuel sources and technologies need to be conducted to increase the availability and fuel quality. Advisers and organizations need to be deployed to identify leading research centers and nurture joint initiatives between academia and industry.
• Policy Alignment: The global commitment to reduce emissions and conform to climate change requirements means that governments must be willing to create a favorable legal and tax environment for SAFs. Tax incentives and other support should be in place to make SAFs more accessible to all aviation stakeholders.

With the right combination of effort and optimism, the aviation sector can create a roadmap for a more sustainable future. By exploring the potential of SAFs, the industry is taking steps in the right direction towards achieving that goal.

Our world needs a reset. It’s time for governments to get serious about incentivizing sustainable aviation fuel. Every drop counts. By taking action now, and ensuring safe, reliable and decarbonized aviation, we can help create a better world for our children tomorrow.