Montreal: As the global aviation sector prepares for next week’s United Nations aviation assembly in Montreal, environmental sustainability has taken center stage. Airlines worldwide are highlighting the urgent need to tackle climate-related challenges, even as doubts persist over whether the industry can meet its own ambitious targets.
Willie Walsh, Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), emphasized that two major issues will dominate discussions at the assembly: the production of sufficient sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and the creation of credible carbon credits eligible under the global CORSIA emissions framework. These mechanisms are seen as crucial tools to help airlines reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining international operations.
Despite these commitments, Walsh expressed skepticism about the sector’s ability to achieve the environmental goals set for 2030. He pointed out the ongoing hurdles in scaling up SAF production and establishing a universally recognized system of carbon credits, both of which are vital for the industry’s climate strategy.
The upcoming UN gathering is expected to serve as a critical platform for international collaboration, with policymakers, airline executives, and environmental experts working to chart a path toward a greener future for aviation. Observers note that the assembly could influence regulatory standards and industry practices worldwide, shaping how airlines balance growth with sustainability.
As the world watches, the aviation industry faces mounting pressure to demonstrate tangible progress on emissions reduction, even as technological and logistical challenges continue to test the sector’s resolve.