The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has welcomed progress by multiple states towards a long-term aspirational goal (LTAG) of net-zero aviation carbon emissions by 2050 in line with the Paris Agreement's temperature objectives.

IATA on Monday expressed satisfaction with ministers and officials from 119 countries who convened at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) headquarters last week for deliberations toward a new collective global long-term reduction goal for international aviation CO2 emissions.

The new international emissions reduction goal is expected to be formally established at the 41st ICAO Assembly to be held in September.

"The ICAO High Level Meeting's support of a long term goal for states that is in line with the aviation sector's net-zero by 2050 commitment is a step in the right direction. A formal agreement at the 41st ICAO Assembly would underpin a common approach by states to decarbonize aviation. That's critical for the aviation industry. Knowing that government policies will support the same goal and timeline globally will enable the sector, especially its suppliers, to make the needed investments to decarbonize," said Willie Walsh, IATA's Director General.

IATA member airlines in October 2021 committed to net zero emissions by 2050.

According to the Association, the path to achieving this will involve a combination of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), new propulsion technology, infrastructure and operational efficiencies, and carbon offsets/carbon capture to fill any gaps.

"Net zero by 2050 will require a global transition for aviation to new fuels, technologies and operations. The significant investments to get there will need a solid policy foundation aligned with a global way forward. That is why it is so important for states to carry the momentum of the High Level Meeting through to a formal agreement at the 41st ICAO Assembly in a few weeks," said Walsh.