Global Aviation And Our Sustainable Future
Global Aviation andOur Sustainable FutureInternational Civil Aviation Organization Briefing for RIO 20
ContentsINTRODUCTION BY ICAO SECRETARY GENERAL, RAYMOND BENJAMIN.1EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: ICAO’S KEY MESSAGES FOR RIO 20.2AVIATION’S ROLE IN THE RIO 20 DISCUSSIONS.3ICAO’S ACTIVITIES ACROSS THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AGENDA.6COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY.12
Message from the ICAO Secretary GeneralCIVIL AVIATION HELPED SHAPE OUR GLOBAL SOCIETY.THE TARGET IS NOW SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT.Air transport has become essential to our globalsociety. It is a driver of economic, social and culturaldevelopment worldwide and has totally changed how wetravel, interact with others and do business. It would bedifficult to envisage a world without aviation.Thanks to the democratization of international air travel,the real cost of flying has fallen by 60% over the last40 years making it more accessible to more people.During the same period, aircraft have become70% more energy efficient and 75% quieter.Many sectors of our global economy would be enviousof such a track record. But because we estimate thatby 2030 the number of domestic and internationalpassengers will reach six billion, travelling onapproximately 50 million flights (roughly double thelevels of 2011), we know that more must be done.The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO),its Member States and industry stakeholders have, foralmost 70 years, pooled their collective expertise andwisdom to create a regulatory framework that has stoodthe test of time. It is for this reason that international civilaviation is as safe, secure and environmentally soundtoday as it has ever been.Since the 1970s, ICAO’s work on environmentalprotection has emphasized the value of a globallyharmonized approach to address the impacts of noiseand local air quality around airports, and the muchbroader challenge of climate change.In addition to its work on technological and operationalmeasures, ICAO is now focusing on four key areas toaddress aviation’s greenhouse gas emissions: Stateaction plans; sustainable alternative fuels; Market-basedMeasures (MBMs); and global aspirational goals toensure the long-term sustainability of aviation.Initiatives deriving from this work will require resourcesfor their implementation. The current proliferation oftaxes and proposals to divert funds from the aviationsector is bound to have an adverse impact on the sector’sability to finance these initiatives and could thereforejeopardize plans for the sustainable future for aviation.Rio 20 will focus on critical issues such as accessto sustainable energy, sustainable transport, povertyeradication and sustainable development goals. The roleand impact of international aviation is central to these issues.The document you hold in your hands outlinesICAO’s key messages for decision-makers assembledin Rio. Our strategic partnerships and concrete initiativesare highlighted to demonstrate the significant activitytaking place behind the scenes which will lead us tothis globally sustainable future.It is our responsibility to future generations.Raymond BenjaminICAO Secretary GeneralRIO 20 International Civil Aviation Organization Briefing1
Executive SummaryEXECUTIVE SUMMARY:ICAO’s Key Messages for Rio 201.ICAO and its Member States are committed to thedevelopment of global solutions for the sustainablefuture of international civil aviation, in cooperationwith industry, sister United Nations agencies andNon-governmental Organizations. While fulfillingits role as a catalyst for economic and socialdevelopment, air transport is focused on reducingits environmental footprint, under the guidanceand leadership of ICAO.2.ICAO expects Rio 20 to strike a balance among thethree pillars of sustainability – social, economic andenvironmental. This will allow air transport to growin an environmentally sustainable manner, whilecontinuing to ensure freedom to travel by air.3.22The democratization of air travel is one of thewonders of our age. Access to sustainable airtransport must be guaranteed for future generations.RIO 20 International Civil Aviation Organization BriefingRIO 20 International Civil Aviation Organization Briefing4.Rio 20 must set clear objectives and establishstrong frameworks to address the new energychallenges as we transition to a green economy.Sustainable alternative fuels represent one of themost promising win-win-win solutions for aviation’sfuture. Availability of these fuels must be guaranteedthrough policies that incentivise their developmentand their deployment.5.Increasing the price of air transport should not beconsidered as a means to achieve sustainability.The sector is pressing to meet its environmentalcommitments through its own resources.6.ICAO calls for better co-ordination of activity atthe international level, elimination of duplicationin all areas, and to build upon the work ofspecialized agencies and existing sustainabledevelopment frameworks.
Aviation’s Role at Rio 20AVIATION’S ROLE IN THE RIO 20 DISCUSSIONSThe aviation sector plays a vital role in many of the Rio 20 critical issues, including sustainable cities,disaster readiness, jobs, poverty eradication, finance and energy. In all of these areas, ICAO’s contribution tointernational governance aiding in the development of a green economy is paramount.SUSTAINABLE CITIESSustainable cities cannot thrive without a sustainable,efficient and integrated transportation system. Such aninter-modal approach stimulates job creation, businessdevelopment, recreation, cultural activities and services.It also favours a more effective and efficient use ofexisting transport capacities and facilities, while ensuringconnectivity among major urban centres, remote islandcommunities and other destinations served by air.DISASTER READINESSThe timely delivery of aid is essential for thehumanitarian community to respond to emergenciesand to undertake life saving missions. In emergencysituations, aviation’s speed and reliability are critical tothe timely delivery of food, medicine, organs, supportstaff, and other necessities to those affected. In thesecases, international airports constitute strategic facilitiesfor repatriation and rescue flights, refugee transfers andcargo deliveries.JOBS & POVERTY ERADICATIONThe air transport sector directly employs 8.4 millionpeople and supports many tens of millions more throughindirect and induced employment. It is an integral part ofthe world’s largest industry, travel and tourism, and thesector also offers significant education and specializedtraining opportunities for young people. Empowermentof women is another success story, where the numberof female pilots has risen to 4,000 worldwide.Also, scaling-up existing sustainable transportationtechnologies can open the door to high-level jobs anddrive long-term, sustained economic growth.RIO 20 International Civil Aviation Organization Briefing3
Aviation’s Role at Rio 20ENERGYAviation is totally dependent on liquid fuels, in contrast withground transportation where a range of alternative energysources is available. For safety and technical considerations,the use of renewable wind and solar power, or even hydrogen,is not an option for the foreseeable future. Aviation, however,is increasingly turning to sustainable alternative fuels toachieve environmentally sound mobility from renewableenergy. Certified ‘drop-in’ alternative fuels – where a biofuelcan be blended with traditional jet fuel without having to bringchanges to aircraft design or airport fuelling systems – arenow a reality. Airlines already use biofuels to power regular,commercial flights. As we overcome the technical barriers, theimpetus must shift to facilitating the necessary political andfinancial support to ensure sufficient availability of such fuels,at a competitive price and in a timely manner.FINANCEThree myths continue to skew discussions oninternational aviation finance:a) Aviation is for the rich.b) Aviation is not taxed.c) Aviation is a profitable industry.The reality is that through market deregulation, airfares have consistently declined over time, while livingstandards and wages have increased overall, to thepoint where consistently more people have accessto air travel. Moreover, contrary to public perception,the international aviation sector is substantially taxedby States. For example, taxes, fees, charges andsurcharges on many international routes are greaterthan the ticket price. Finally, the net profit margin ofglobal scheduled airlines was 1.3% in 2011, and isforecast to be 0.5% in 2012.Misconceptions overshadow the formidablecontributions of air travel to everyday life. One case inpoint: 30 years ago, many Brazilians migrated from4RIO 20 International Civil Aviation Organization Briefingrural areas to urban centers. These journeys tookdays on uncomfortable buses and cost the equivalentof a week’s salary. Today, when these migrantsreturn home, they can use air transport in just afew hours and for the equivalent of a day’s salary.This improvement in their everyday lives is a tangiblesuccess story which the aviation sector empowered.In order for the international aviation sector to meet itsambitious CO2 emissions goals and respond effectively tothe climate change challenge, the funds required to meetthose targets must remain within the sector. Suggestionshave been made to place international aviation in thecategory of alternative sources of climate finance. This isill advised because it would result in a financial burdendisproportionate to the sector’s contribution to global CO2emissions, i.e. a levy of up to four times the forecast netprofit of the airline industry in 2012.Such a policy would limit the ability of the sector toaddress its own emissions and could adversely impactdemand for air travel, thereby reducing the economicbenefits that international aviation delivers, ultimatelya lose-lose scenario.
Aviation’s Role at Rio 20INTERNATIONAL GOVERNANCEProgress on international issues may be improved throughenhanced coordination within the UN system itself,recognizing and building upon the mandate and availableexpertise of each of its agencies. In particular, legal powersarising from the potential change in the mandate of existing(or newly created) entities should be compatible with theprovisions of Conventions, protocols and agreements in force.GREEN ECONOMYInnovative thinking and cooperation have made it possibleto overcome aviation’s biggest challenges and it will be nodifferent as we tackle the sustainability issues before us.In the transition to a green economy, the driving forces froman air transport perspective include environmentally motivatedpressure from consumers and the increase in unilateralenvironmental regulations, rules and policy measures.ICAO is determined to lead the sector through thesustainable development agenda and to ensureglobally-harmonized solutions.TOOLS FOR POLICYMAKERSA number of ICAO activities, initiatives and measuresconstitute what are known as policy tools, or a tool suite.These include aircraft environmental certification, regulationof air transport, market-based measures, State action plans,new technology and sustainable alternative fuels.In addition, ICAO has developed a suite of concrete technicaltools that are publically available, such as: A CO2 emissions calculator for passenger flights. Fuel savings estimation tool (IFSET). Green meetings calculator.ICAO’s work across the sustainability agenda has thepotential to support decision and policy makers globallyas they implement a suite of policy tools to addresssustainability and environmental issues. These areexplored in the following section.RIO 20 International Civil Aviation Organization Briefing5
ICAO’s Activities Across Sustainabilty AgendaICAO’S ACTIVITIES ACROSS THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AGENDASustainable development seeks to secure the well-being of present and future generations by striving for a balance amongsocial, economic and environmental objectives. The three pillars of sustainable development are especially relevant to theinternational aviation sector that, by offering a safe and efficient means of mass transportation, is universally recognizedas an essential component of the global economy and universal social progress.SOCIAL & ECONOMIC PILLARSENVIRONMENT PILLARAir transport is committed to meeting its responsibilitiesfor sustainable development, maximising its supportfor economic development, reducing its impact onthe environment and consolidating its social benefits.Through the increased use of low-carbon technology,environmentally friendly materials, new aircraft systemsand sustainable energy sources, the air transportsector is making significant advances across a rangeof sustainability issues. It does so by making surethat its actions around the world are based on theeconomic, environmental and social pillars ofsustainable development.As early as the 1970s, ICAO emphasized the value of aglobally harmonized approach to addressing the impactof air transport operations on noise and local air qualityaround airports, then focusing its attention on the muchbroader challenge of climate change. It addressed thosechallenges through a series of activities described below.This can be illustrated by the complex and growingnetwork of around 1,000 airlines offering scheduledservices connecting 3,850 commercial airportsworldwide. They link major and minor city pairs,facilitating the movement of people, goods and services.From fresh fish to diamonds, aviation underpins nearlyevery aspect of modern life, carrying 35% of goodsby value and supporting 3.5% of global GDP.Other, less evident benefits of aviation include: 1) criticaltransportation and logistical links to hinterlands, islandsand remote communities; 2) essential services, suchas healthcare, mail, education; 3) emergency aid andhumanitarian assistance and; 4) data collection forscientific research and meteorology.6RIO 20 International Civil Aviation Organization BriefingTECHNOLOGY & OPERATIONSICAO global standards were adopted in the past fornoise and local air quality (CO / NOx / HC) and a newstandard for CO2 emissions is expected in 2013.Aircraft today are 70% more fuel-efficient and75% quieter than they were four decades ago.New double-decker and composite aircraft that haverecently entered into service have raised the bareven higher in terms of design and performance.Operational measures have also resulted in significantenroute savings in fuel consumption, through newprocedures and technology adopted by air navigationservice providers. ICAO’s Committee on AviationEnvironmental Protection (CAEP) continues to developguidance and tools to assess the environmental benefitsof operational measures across the air transport system.ICAO’s Fuel Savings Estimation Tool (IFSET), approvedby CAEP, is intended to assist States in estimating fuelsavings from operational improvements.
ICAO’s Activities Across Sustainabilty AgendaCOORDINATING INTERNATIONAL POLICYSTATE ACTION PLANSThe global agreement on aviation and climate changereached at ICAO’s 37th Assembly in 2010 was animportant step towards a sustainable air transportfuture and makes international aviation the first sectorto agree on a 2% annual fuel efficiency improvement,while stabilizing its global CO2 emissions at 2020 levels– with carbon neutral growth from 2020. It provides aconcrete framework for ICAO and its member States, incollaboration with the air transport industry, to continueto identify and pursue global solutions to address GHGemissions from international aviation.Member States have agreed to develop national ActionPlans to reduce emissions from international aviationand submit them to ICAO by June 2012. The actionplans allow States to identify a basket of measurestailored to their circumstances and assistance needs.They also enable ICAO to assess progress in achievingthe global aspirational goals adopted by the Assemblyand to identify and address the specific assistanceneeds of States.With this objective in mind, in addition to its technicaland operational work, ICAO is focusing on four key areas: State action plans.Sustainable alternative fuels for aviation.Market-based Measures (MBMs).Global aspirational goals.Comprehensive guidance material and a web-basedinterface have been developed and six hands-ontraining workshops were held in 2011 to assist focalpoints nominated by States in the preparation andsubmission of their Plans. To date, ICAO has trainedmore than 200 representatives from 81 Statesrepresenting 92.4% of global revenue tonne-kilometres.ICAO Training Workshops for States’ Action Plans on C02 emissions reduction.Green areas indicate States which have already received training.Building on information contained in State ActionPlans, ICAO will hold a special event in October 2012;‘Assistance for Action – Aviation and Climate Change’.The aim of this seminar is to share information withStates and other stakeholders on the assistance neededto implement actions to address CO2 emissions, includingthe identification of potential sources for assistance,as well as possible processes and mechanisms underICAO to facilitate the provision of assistance.RIO 20 International Civil Aviation Organization Briefing7
ICAO’s Activities Across Sustainabilty AgendaSUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVE FUELS (SUSTAF)Fundamental to international aviation’s climate changestrategy are Sustainable Alternative Fuels (SUSTAF).They address the three pillars of sustainable developmentby reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving localair quality and providing new sources of employment.SUSTAF can also help to reduce fuel price volatility,while providing a source of economic development innon-traditional fuel producing regions of the world.While many airlines are now operating regularcommercial flights using alternative fuels, availabilityof biofuel feedstock remains a major obstacleto more widespread use.In cooperation with States, industry and other stakeholders,ICAO is developing policy recommendations to promoteand further facilitate the development and deploymentof SUSTAF. This may include harmonization ofsustainability criteria and model legal and regulatorypolicies. Policies and incentives need to be targeted tospecific barriers to enhance production efficiency, ensureglobal consistency, reduce investment risk, and confirmworkable certification and qualification programs.To stimulate further progress, ICAO maintains an onlineplatform showcasing hundreds of global activities andinitiatives related to SUSTAF: the Global Frameworkfor Aviation Alternative Fuels.Aviation stakeholders are concerned about competitionfrom other transport modes for biofuels, which couldlimit aviation’s ability to grow in a sustainable mannerover the long term.There is a desire among States, airlines and otherorganizations to see a significant scale up of biofuelproduction, although they want to be sure that biofuelsdo not compete with food supplies and that they are trulysustainable in that they actually reduce CO2 emissions.For more information please GlobalFramework.aspx8RIO 20 International Civil Aviation Organization Briefing
ICAO’s Activities Across Sustainabilty AgendaAirlineAircraftFuel StockRouteAeroméxicoB777JatrophaMexico City – MadridAeroméxicoB737CamelinaMexico City – San JoseAeroméxicoB777Jatropha, camelina and used cooking oilMexico City – São PauloAir CanadaA319Used cooking oilToronto Pearson - Mexico CityAir FranceA321Used cooking oilToulouse – ParisAlaska AirlinesB737Used cooking oilSeattle – WashingtonAlaska AirlinesQ400Used cooking oilSeattle – PortlandFinnairA319JatrophaAmsterdam – HelsinkiIberiaA320CamelinaMadrid – BarcelonaInterjetA320JatrophaMexico City – Tuxtla Gu
emissions, i.e. a levy of up to four times the forecast net profit of the airline industry in 2012. Such a policy would limit the ability of the sector to address its own emissions and could adversely impact . demand for air travel, thereby reducing the economic benefits that international aviation delivers, ultimately a lose-lose scenario.
SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) a.k.a. aviation biofuel, biojet, alternative aviation fuel. Aviation Fuel: Maintains the certification basis of today’s aircraft and jet (gas turbine) engines by delivering the properties of ASTM D1655 – Aviation Turbine Fuel – enables drop-in approach – no changes to infrastructure or equipment,
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