Airlines commit to use new technologies to combat climate change: WEF
At least 20 airlines from various countries have committed to using new technologies to help meet the challenges of climate change, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF).
The carriers, which are members of the WEF's Target True Zero initiative, have a combined fleet of 800 aircraft and intend to support efforts that can eliminate in-flight carbon dioxide emissions and reduce the industry’s climate impact.
The signatory airlines include Aero, Air New Zealand, Air Nostrum, Alaska Airlines, Amelia, ASL Aviation Holdings, Braathens Regional Airlines, easyJet, Finistair, Icelandair, Iskwew Air, Loganair, Mokulele, Ravn Alaska, SoundsAir, Southern Airways Express, Surf Air Mobility, Viva Aerobus, Waltzing Matilda Aviation and Xwing, which operate 1.8 million flights and carry more than 177 million passengers a year.
The airlines pledge to support novel forms of propulsion, such as electric and hydrogen-powered planes.
“Industry leaders aim for 30 percent of the aircraft serving shorter range routes added to their fleets from 2030 to be powered by new technologies such as hydrogen and electric power,” a statement from the WEF said.
“The Target True-Zero airlines also urged governments to do their part in supporting the transition to cleaner aviation. Key calls included establishing policies to provide incentives for operators to adopt these technologies and address the infrastructure issues needed to support their use in airports across the world.”
Timothy Reuter, Head of Aerospace and Drones of the WEF, noted that by accelerating the adoption of solutions with fewer climate impacts, “equitable growth around the globe” can be achieved “while ensuring a healthy planet for future generations.”
