The partnership between government and the aviation sector to fast-track zero-emission flight has taken its next step forward today with the publication of the group’s members and key aims.
The news follows the first meeting of the group this summer, with representatives from the UK’s aviation sectors working with transport secretary Grant Shapps, aviation minister Robert Courts and business secretary Alok Sharma.
The group features leaders from Rolls-Royce, Airbus and Shell as well as Heathrow and the International Airline Group, the owner of British Airways.
The partnership aims to build UK production facilities for sustainable aviation fuels and the acceleration of the design, manufacture and commercial operation of zero-emission aircraft in the UK.
The council will establish sub-committees to accelerate progress, focusing on reducing carbon dioxide emissions and delivering clean growth. It will operate in the context of the UK’s wider target for net zero emissions by 2050.
Speaking about the project, aviation minister Robert Courts said: “Climate change is one of the greatest challenges faced by modern society, and we know we need to go further and faster if we’re to make businesses sustainable long into the future.
“That’s why we’re bringing together government, business and investors to reduce emissions in the aviation sector – through innovative technologies, such as sustainable fuels, hybrid and eventually electric planes, we will build a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future for all.”
Business and Industry Minister Nadhim Zahawi said: “The UK is unrelenting in its commitment to ensuring a cleaner world for future generations by achieving net zero emissions by 2050 – and making air travel greener will be a huge part of this.”
