UAE Commits To Sustainable Aviation Industry Growth, Says Economy Minister At IATA AGM

Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, has reaffirmed the UAE's dedication to sustainable aviation growth while addressing climate challenges. Speaking at the 80th IATA's Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit in Dubai from 2nd to 4th June 2024, Al Marri highlighted the air transport sector's significant role in fostering global partnerships, connecting people, and supporting economies.

"It's also one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonise. Aviation accounts for 2.5% of global CO2 emissions but has contributed around 4% of global warming to date," Al Marri stated. As climate concerns intensify, achieving sustainable air travel is essential. "That's why sustainability is at the forefront of our agenda today," he added.

The minister emphasised the need for a collective effort within the aviation industry. "We need increased support from both governments and the private sector, particularly in funding and infrastructure development. This will unlock the production and deployment of sustainable aviation fuels and other promising alternatives," he explained.

Al Marri noted that the UAE is leading the shift towards a low-carbon economic model, with aviation as a key component. Diversifying away from oil and tackling climate change are top priorities for UAE leadership. "We are making tremendous efforts to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy," he said.

The non-oil sector represented more than 74% of the UAE's GDP in 2023. The UAE is among the first countries to adopt a sustainability agenda and consider the environmental impact of aviation. "We actively participated in all negotiations launched by the International Civil Aviation Organisation and endorsed all international decisions supporting sustainability," Al Marri mentioned.

The UAE aims to decarbonise its aviation sector and position itself as a regional hub for low-carbon aviation fuel. "This is why we have launched the National Sustainable Aviation Fuel Roadmap, setting an ambitious goal to produce up to 700 million litres annually by 2030. This initiative is expected to reduce up to 4.8 million tonnes of CO2 emissions," he added.

Technological Advancements

Al Marri highlighted that COP28 underscored the need for technological advancements within aviation. "This includes developing more fuel-efficient aircraft and exploring alternative propulsion systems such as electric and hybrid electric engines and, of course, the use of hydrogen," he said.

As one of the leading economies in travel and tourism in aviation, the UAE is committed to being part of the solution to the climate crisis and decarbonising the industry. "We believe that partnership and collaboration with the private sector are crucial to achieving our economic sustainability goals. The UAE views the private sector as a key driver of growth," Al Marri concluded.

With inputs from WAM