The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is set to host its second World Sustainability Symposium (WSS) in Miami, USA, from September 24-25, 2024. This crucial event, hosted by American Airlines, will focus on achieving the airline industry’s commitment to net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050.
Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, emphasized the importance of the WSS, stating, “Sustainability is an existential challenge for humanity as it is for our airline industry. Achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050 is a big and complex task. But working together with the broader aviation industry, and with the support of governments, we will get there.” The WSS serves as a platform to unite stakeholders across the aviation industry, government, and various sectors to share knowledge, align strategies, and take decisive actions towards a sustainable future.
Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s Senior Vice President Sustainability and Chief Economist, highlighted the need for radical collaboration, stating, “The WSS aims to unite decision-makers across the public and private sectors, and across all areas of government, with the objective of decarbonizing air transportation. Aviation’s energy transition needs support beyond transportation ministries as it touches upon nearly all areas of the global, regional, and local economies and societies. We need to engage technology, policy, and finance with a single-minded purpose to reach net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050.”
The WSS will address key elements to help achieve the industry’s net-zero goal, including:
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Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF):
Exploring the development, production, and deployment of sustainable fuels to reduce emissions.*
Operational Efficiency:
Optimizing aircraft operations, including air traffic management, to minimize fuel consumption.*
Technology Innovation:
Investing in research and development of advanced technologies, such as electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft.*
Carbon Capture and Storage:
Examining the potential of capturing and storing carbon emissions.The event is expected to attract over 500 professionals from aviation, sustainability, technology, agriculture, trade, development, finance, as well as policy makers and other stakeholders. The WSS has already become a flagship IATA event, and this year’s gathering promises to be a pivotal moment in the industry’s journey towards a sustainable future.
