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The impact of the net zero goals by 2050 in the aviation sector
The aviation sector stands at the center of one of the most ambitious climate goals of our time: achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. As global economies expand and demand for air travel grows—projected to increase by 3.6% annually until mid-century—the challenge of reconciling connectivity with climate responsibility becomes ever more pressing.
Unlike other modes of transport, aviation remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels, with no large-scale alternative currently available for medium- and long-haul flights. Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) represent a promising pathway, yet production capacity, cost, and infrastructure remain limited. Meanwhile, international frameworks and regional mechanisms are setting the stage for a more coordinated response, but progress is uneven and fragmented.
This paper provides a structured analysis of the forces shaping aviation’s transition toward Net Zero, with a focus on three key areas:
- International and European regulatory context: From ICAO’s global standards to European mechanisms such as the EU ETS, we examine how regulatory frameworks and market-based measures like CORSIA are guiding the sector’s decarbonization.
- Key pathways toward net zero: A deep dive into the three pillars of aviation’s transition: sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), technological innovation in aircraft and propulsion systems, and operational improvements through air traffic management (ATM).
- Challenges to scaling climate action: Understanding the sector-specific hurdles, from the need for stronger policy support and public–private collaboration, to economic pressures and infrastructure readiness.
This report examines how these forces are reshaping aviation’s trajectory toward 2050. It highlights the policies, technologies, and strategic decisions that will determine whether the sector can truly strike a balance between growth and sustainability. Practical insights from ALG’s projects complement the analysis.
As governments, airlines, and regulators confront difficult questions—how fast, at what cost, and with what degree of coordination—the choices made in this decade will define aviation’s alignment with global climate objectives.
Download the full report to explore actionable strategies, emerging innovations, and the evolving regulatory landscape driving aviation’s journey to Net Zero.
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