Airline, airport, aerospace, and air traffic control industry groups have called on European Commission (EC) president Ursula von der Leyen to reboot its aviation strategy to emphasize economic growth and competitiveness alongside efforts to decarbonize. In a report published on Tuesday in Brussels, the groups issued new policy recommendations to update the existing report "Destination 2050—A Route to Net Zero European Aviation" with demands for a more proactive and joined-up approach from the newly-appointed Commission.

Airlines for Europe (A4E), along with Airports Council International; Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries Association of Europe; air navigation services group CANSO; and the European Regions Airline Association, called on Von der Leyen to implement the recommendations on aviation sustainability and competitiveness presented to her back in September 2024 in a report by former Italian prime minister and European Central Bank president Mario Draghi. Their policy demands reflect a desire to see more effective policy implementation combined with less regulatory burden on the industry in the context of Europe’s stagnant economies.

Core recommendations were led by a call to introduce new market mechanisms to “rapidly bring down the cost” of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The industry associations called for the EC’s Clean Industrial Deal and the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan to reflect the strategic importance of aviation in Europe. They also demanded more investment in reducing fuel burn through programs like Clean Aviation to advance new aircraft technologies and the SESAR reforms to air traffic management.

“With efficient European Union policy measures, we can secure aviation’s vital and strategic importance and continue driving social and economic progress throughout Europe,” said the groups’ chairs in a joint statement. “The new Destination 2050 report shows that the European aviation industry has a clear and actionable pathway to reach net-zero carbon by 2050, but urgent action must happen now.”

According to the updated Destination 2050 report, SAF—along with improved aircraft and engine technology—could deliver as much as 83% in reductions in emissions from air transport by 2050.