A series of meetings held this week have revealed that Australia and the UK have shared ambitions for the reduction of carbon emissions in the aviation industry.
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said she had held meetings with UK counterparts to discuss de-carbonising aviation and the ICAO initiatives for net-zero emissions by 2050.
"Like the UK, the Albanese Government supports the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from international aviation without constraining while still facilitating growth in the industry," Minister King said today.
"ICAO’s initiatives include the adoption of a long-term aspirational goal for international aviation of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and the implementation of the Carbon Offsetting Reduction Scheme for International Aviation.
"In meetings this week with UK ministers, including Baroness Vere of Norbiton, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Aviation, Maritime and Security), we have discussed shared ambitions and initial progress in decarbonising aviation, as well as the UK’s experience so far in encouraging an industry-government partnership approach through its Jet Zero Council."
The UK set up its Jet Zero Council in 2020, and Australia announced its own Jet Zero Council in June, aimed at reducing carbon emissions and exploring and encouraging a local sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry.
The Australian Jet Zero Council brings together stakeholders from across the aviation industry and the fuel supply chain, and is due to meet for the first time in August.
"The Council will support Australia’s aviation industry and government to collaborate in achieving emissions reductions on the path to net zero, including through increased use of sustainable aviation fuels, adoption of emerging technologies and making operations more efficient," Minister King said.
"I look forward to continuing to work across government, with industry and with international partners to drive the decarbonisation of aviation and secure a greener, more sustainable future."
Although the Australian Jet Zero Council is primarily focused on jet fuel replacements, the group has also been tasked with looking at the future of leaded avgas in Australia and alternative power sources for the current piston-powered GA fleet.