The Jet Zero Taskforce will serve as the driving force to make flying a cleaner, greener experience
Secretary of State for Transport Louise Haigh has today (25 November 2024) launched refreshed plans to tackle aviation emissions with a new dynamic group dedicated to advancing sustainable aviation.
Charting a clear path toward cleaner aviation with a new structure, the Jet Zero Taskforce will serve as the driving force to transform how people fly – aligning with the government’s missions to make the UK a clean energy superpower and kickstart the economy.
It will feature an annual CEO-level meeting chaired by the Transport Secretary to set priorities for the Taskforce and review progress. Members will include the Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Ed Miliband, CEOs of major airlines, such as easyJet and Virgin, airports like Heathrow and Manchester, as well as fuel producers, trade bodies and leading universities.
Building on the previous Jet Zero Council, the Taskforce will support the production and delivery of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and zero emission flights, as well as look at how to improve aviation systems to make them more efficient.
It will also explore the sector’s demand for greenhouse gas removals and the non-CO2 impacts of aviation, such as vapour trails left in the sky, to account for the sector’s overall environmental impact.
The diverse membership has been specifically chosen to represent all corners of the industry – ensuring no stone is left unturned on the journey to sustainable aviation.
Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Haigh said:
CEO of Airlines UK, Tim Alderslade said:
Set to meet for the first time on 4 December, SAF will be high on the agenda. Being one of the most developed pathways to greener flying, this government has been clear in its commitment to creating a strong, resilient UK SAF industry.
Last week, the SAF Mandate was officially signed into law, requiring an increasing amount of SAF in overall jet fuel from 1 January 2025. By 2040, 22% of all jet fuel must come from sustainable sources – whether that be from household waste or by using cutting-edge power-to-liquid technology.
Chief Executive of AirportsUK, Karen Dee said:
Underneath the executive level will be a smaller, focused Expert Group of sustainability leaders to support the Taskforce’s priorities. By pinpointing key barriers to decarbonisation and directing a select number of smaller action groups to tackle these challenges, this level will be crucial to the delivery of the Taskforce’s objectives.
It will be chaired by Mike Kane MP, Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Security, and Holly Boyd-Boland, VP of Corporate Development at Virgin Atlantic.
VP of Corporate Development at Virgin Atlantic, Holly Boyd-Boland said:
Today’s launch comes as the department invests up to £450,000 to support aviation decarbonisation measures in other countries, such as helping developing states develop policy and access financing for sustainable aviation fuel, as well as to offset carbon emissions from international flights.
This follows a new UK target to reduce emissions by 81% by 2035, set at COP29 in Azerbaijan. This ambitious and pragmatic target will strengthen the UK’s position as a place for investment, delivering jobs and economic growth.
One week before the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) marks its 80th anniversary, the Secretary General, Juan Carlos Salazar Gómez, is visiting the UK and today will sign a memorandum of understanding with the UK, covering all areas of UK-ICAO co-operation.
Both he and the Transport Secretary will be attending the Airlines 2024 Conference later today.