Efforts by the aviation industry to achieve net-zero emissions targets by 2050 are “off-track”, with airlines set to be penalised for the failure of other players to do their part to meet climate goals, executives have warned.
Oil majors, governments, aircraft manufacturers and air-traffic controllers must increase their sustainability efforts as airlines cannot achieve these goals on their own, Willie Walsh, director general of the International Air Transport Association, said.
“Sustainability and net-zero 2050 is a must for our industry, not an option,” Mr Walsh said at the World Cargo Symposium in Dubai. “We are concerned about the pace at which we're progressing, particularly in the area of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).”
Airlines agreed in 2021 to target net-zero emissions in 2050, driven mainly by a gradual switch to SAF. But the alternative fuel is in low supply, accounting for just 0.3 per cent of global jet fuel production last year, and is three to five times more expensive than kerosene.
Cracks in the sustainability plan have appeared as airlines clash with airports, plane makers, air traffic control authorities and energy companies.
Failure of other players
The Iata chief accused oil majors of backtracking on their renewable energy pledges, while original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have failed to deliver fuel-efficient jets on schedule.
“There's a real risk at the moment that we're off-track in terms of the pathway to net-zero by 2050 and the concern that I have is that this will be seized upon by people who like to penalise our industry and we just face more and more penalties and taxes because of the failure of other players to do their part,” Mr Walsh said.
“It's very challenging at the moment and that challenge is getting greater by the day rather than becoming more achievable.”
Mr Walsh hit back particularly at Europe's ReFuelEU Aviation plan, saying that they are extremely ambitious but not achievable. The plan calls for fuel uplift from member state airports to contain at least 2 per cent SAF. The percentage will increase gradually, reaching 70 per cent by 2050.
There is no environmental benefit to penalising airlines for the failure of other players in the supply chain
Willie Walsh,
Iata director general
“We're particularly concerned about the way some governments and some regions are pushing this [SAF] with mandates that are unrealistic,” Mr Walsh said.
“I don't mind ambitious targets, but what I do mind is what happens when those targets aren't met: The idea that the targets were set to drive the production of SAF is a positive, but the idea that it incentivises airlines because we are going to penalised financially if we don’t achieve them, is wrong … There is no environmental benefit to penalising airlines for the failure of other players in the supply chain.”
Gabriela Hiitola, senior vice president of Finnair Cargo, said that the sustainability goals are “really demanding”.
“Let's see if we manage in the time to reach those [goals]. If we want to reach them, we cannot do it alone as airlines, we need governments to help with regulations,” Ms Hiitola said.
Airlines are struggling with varied requirements from different countries they serve.
“We have different regulations in different countries. It's a bit messy currently … we need governments, we need investments, we need our partners to join us on this journey,” Ms Hiitola said.
The cost of SAF to airlines is significant, estimated at $174 billion on average per year between 2023 and 2050, Maja Marciniak, senior economist at Iata, said.
“It does require collective effort and collective buy-in to help us move in that direction,” Ms Marciniak said.
As SAF volumes remain far below what is needed, and production costs remain high, Iata has urged governments to implement policies to scale up SAF production and reduce costs.
“The ramp-up of SAF – our strongest lever – has been disappointing,” Brendan Sullivan, Iata's global head of cargo, said.
“The major fuel producers have been slow-walking – or sidelining – planned investments in SAF. Aircraft manufacturers have backed off their commitments for medium-term delivery of CO2 saving products such as hydrogen-powered aircraft. And governments have not provided the policy support needed, even though they have a playbook at hand with how the wind and solar energy industries expanded. Instead, they send mixed signals by subsidising fossil fuel extraction while aiming for net zero.”
Mr Sullivan said that regulators, fuel suppliers and manufacturers needed to act on their words.
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Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
The five new places of worship
Church of South Indian Parish
St Andrew's Church Mussaffah branch
St Andrew's Church Al Ain branch
St John's Baptist Church, Ruwais
Church of the Virgin Mary and St Paul the Apostle, Ruwais
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The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.
The tours
A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
ELIO
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Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
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Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 201hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 320Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 8.7L/100km
Price: Dh133,900
On sale: now
The specs: 2018 Jaguar E-Pace First Edition
Price, base / as tested: Dh186,480 / Dh252,735
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder
Power: 246hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 365Nm @ 1,200rpm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 7.7L / 100km
Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
