The design of the first global certification standard for CO2 emissions from new aircraft is finalized. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) reached an international consensus on a meaningful standard to foster reduction in CO2 emissions from aircraft.
Industry associations such as The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, Airlines for America, The Air Transport Action Group has welcomed the CO2 Standard as part of a wider series of actions aimed at tackling aviation’s climate change impact.
FAA Administrator Michael Huerta said, "I am pleased that ICAO reached an international consensus on a meaningful standard to foster reduction in CO2 emissions from aircraft. We are encouraged by this success and believe it puts us on a promising path to secure a robust market-based measure later this year. This is another example of the administration's deep commitment to working with the international community on policies that will reduce harmful carbon pollution worldwide."
“Our industry already has a tremendous record of fuel efficiency improvements and emissions savings, and we are committed to continuing that trend,” said Nancy Young, A4A Vice President, Environmental Affairs. “These ambitious new standards put forth by ICAO’s Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection will assist us in meeting that commitment. We commend the work of the Committee for its part in ensuring that ICAO continues to demonstrate leadership in setting environmental standards for global aviation.”
The Air Transport Action Group, a cross-industry organisation focusing on sustainable aviation, Executive Director, Michael Gill, said, “Following the landmark Paris Agreement in December last year, aviation is pressing ahead with its own climate action plan. Today’s decision on the ICAO CO2 Standard provides a significant step towards the industry’s long-term goal to halve aviation CO2 and much-needed momentum ahead of the ICAO Assembly in September, at which governments are expected to agree on a global market-based measure for aviation.”
The CO2 Standard will apply to all new aircraft models launched after 2020. The standard will also be phased in for all existing aircraft types rolling off the production line from 2023, even if they were designed and launched prior to 2020. A production cut-off date of 2028 has been recommended for any aircraft that do not comply with the CO2 Standard. The standard will be reviewed periodically to increase its stringency in line with technology advancement.
ICAO has a long track record of implementing similar standards in noise, safety, security and agreements on air navigation. Once the CO2 Standard is formally adopted by the ICAO Council, it will be implemented by national civil aviation authorities around the world and will be part of the rigorous certification process all new aircraft must meet before entering service.
