The Government’s Jet Zero Strategy for Aviation Sector

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In the summer we recorded temperatures in the UK of up to 41° and now cold winters, which has brought the Net Zero Strategy to the forefront of the news. The government are now attributing emissions from international aviation to the UK. The government has released the updated Jet Zero Strategy.

The publication by the Department of Transport comes on the back of a recent ruling that outlined that the Minister of State for Business, Energy and Clean Growth of the United Kingdom was in breach of the Climate Act. The legal challenge was brought by Friends of the Earth, ClientEarth, Good Law Project and Jo Wheatley and was partially upheld. Despite not having the legally required information on how key targets to cut emissions would be met, the Secretary of State signed off the Net Zero Strategy.

The ruling stated that despite the work of the Department, the Secretary of State, Greg Hands, only received the effects of the policy in reducing emissions without the quantitative assessment, therefore he could not account for the 5% shortfall. It ruled it was his sole responsibility.

The issue is that the Net Zero Strategy could not be scrutinised by parliament or the public. The ruling stresses the need for transparency when tackling climate change.

What is the Aviation Sector doing?

The aviation industry is at the forefront of innovation to achieve Zero-Emission targets. The industry is looking to dramatically reduce CO2 emissions. The Jet Zero Strategy looks at cleaning up the skies and transition to greener fuels and technologies.

The Jet Zero Strategy sets a clear goal of decarbonising aviation by 2050. It outlines the framework and the trajectory to measure progress.

The sector is responding positively to the challenge of climate change despite financial impact of Covid. There continues to be high levels of investment in new technologies and sustainable fuels such as electric propulsion for short haul flights, hydrogen fuels for longer haul flights and hybrid-electric propulsion for intermediate flights. These new technologies are extremely close to being introduced.

The government are actively attempting to reduce emissions by 2% annually. The aviation industry has focussed much of its energy in investing in SAFs as an alternative to fossil-derived fuel. The issue with SAFs is that production lacks the infrastructure to produce and therefore is extremely costly. However, the UK have committed to having a minimum of five Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) plants under construction by 2025.

Having been at several aviation events recently, including the Farnborough International Air Show, the industry seems on track to meet these ambitious goals.

How can we help with implementation of the strategy?

We help clients across the aviation sector, our experts can help you with commercial strategy and suite of sales documentation. You can benefit from our in-depth knowledge of the sector and how to position your business within it.

If your business is working in sustainable aviation development and need legal support then get in touch with us on [email protected] or call us on 020 3051 5060.