The UK's aviation sector is on high alert after a stark warning from industry leaders: unless the government provides urgent support for decarbonisation initiatives, air passengers can expect to pay higher fares. The message comes as Sustainable Aviation, a coalition of airlines, airports, and plane manufacturers, publishes its 2026 roadmap to net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The document outlines critical steps needed to achieve the ambitious target, with technological innovation, operational improvements, and low-carbon aviation fuels at the forefront. Without decisive government action, the sector risks losing its global competitiveness and burdening travellers with increased transition costs.
Sustainable Aviation highlights the industry's significant contribution to the UK economy, supporting over 850,000 jobs and generating more than £100 billion annually. However, despite a 28 per cent rise in passenger numbers between 2005 and 2024, absolute aviation emissions decreased by just one per cent – albeit with a notable 22 per cent reduction in emissions per passenger.
The roadmap places Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at the heart of its decarbonisation strategy, predicting that it will constitute 65 per cent of total aviation fuel use by 2050. SAF, produced from waste materials such as used cooking oil and household refuse, is expected to deliver lifecycle emissions savings of about 80 per cent, accounting for roughly 31 per cent of overall reductions.
Neil Robinson, chair of Sustainable Aviation, echoed the industry's commitment to net zero but stressed the need for government partnership. "While we're making progress," he said, "we cannot achieve our goals alone." Mr Robinson called on the government to match industry ambition with policy action and investment certainty, particularly in aerospace innovation, airspace upgrades, and making SAF affordable.