Revamped taskforce set to deliver a sustainable vision for aviation

Secretary of State for Transport Louise Haigh has today (25 November) launched refreshed plans to tackle aviation emissions with a new dynamic group dedicated to advancing sustainable aviation. 

Charting a clear path toward cleaner aviation with a new structure, the Jet Zero Taskforce will serve as the driving force to transform how people fly - aligning with the government's missions to make the UK a clean energy superpower and kickstart the economy. 

It will feature an annual CEO-level meeting chaired by the Transport Secretary to set priorities for the Taskforce and review progress. Members will include the Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Ed Miliband, CEOs of major airlines, such as easyJet and Virgin, airports like Heathrow and Manchester, as well as fuel producers, trade bodies and leading universities. 

Building on the previous Jet Zero Council, the Taskforce will support the production and delivery of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and zero emission flights, as well as look at how to improve aviation systems to make them more efficient.

It will also explore the sector's demand for greenhouse gas removals and the non-CO2 impacts of aviation, such as vapour trails left in the sky, to account for the sector's overall environmental impact.

The diverse membership has been specifically chosen to represent all corners of the industry – ensuring no stone is left unturned on the journey to sustainable aviation. 

Secretary of State for Transport Louise Haigh said: 

“Climate change is one of the biggest challenges we face, and together with industry, I am determined to build an aviation sector that's future-ready and better for the planet. 

"We need to make flying a cleaner, greener experience and the new and improved Jet Zero Taskforce will be the driving force behind this transition. 

“I look forward to working with all members to deliver meaningful changes that will boost our economy and make the UK a global leader in sustainable travel.” 

Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK, said:

“The UK can lead the way in net zero aviation, ensuring our world-class aviation and aerospace companies can continue to support a growing UK economy and industrial base and provide families the chance to travel long into the future.

“Collaboration with government and across the whole sector and supply chain is vital to making the rapid progress we need, and we look forward to working with the new Taskforce to help usher in a new era of sustainable air travel, with all the jobs and investment that entails.”

Set to meet for the first time on 4 December, SAF will be high on the agenda. Being one of the most developed pathways to greener flying, this government has been clear in its commitment to creating a strong, resilient UK SAF industry. 

Last week, the SAF Mandate was officially signed into law, requiring an increasing amount of SAF in overall jet fuel from 1 January 2025. By 2040, 22 per cent of all jet fuel must come from sustainable sources – whether that be from household waste or by using cutting-edge power-to-liquid technology. 

Karen Dee, chief executive of AirportsUK, said:

“This taskforce, which will build on the work of the previous body, will continue to ensure government and industry collaborate to deliver on our net zero carbon commitments and that future aviation is sustainable.

“The UK is positioned well to take advantage of the entirely new sectors that sustainable aviation will create, generating new jobs and economic growth while reducing emissions from international travel.

“UK airports are already doing a lot to reduce their carbon emissions, from electrifying vehicles, generating their own renewable energy and greening terminal operations, and this group will continue to help identify and eliminate obstacles to further progress.”

Underneath the executive level will be a smaller, focused Expert Group of sustainability leaders to support the Taskforce's priorities. By pinpointing key barriers to decarbonisation and directing a select number of smaller action groups to tackle these challenges, this level will be crucial to the delivery of the Taskforce's objectives. 

It will be chaired by Mike Kane MP, Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Security, and Holly Boyd-Boland, VP of Corporate Development at Virgin Atlantic.  

 VP of Corporate Development at Virgin Atlantic Holly Boyd-Boland said:

“As Virgin Atlantic demonstrated with Flight100 last year, decarbonising our sector requires radical collaboration – a shared goal, underpinned by a bias to action. Aviation can play a significant role in delivering the Government's missions for economic growth and clean energy.

“Taking up the role of industry chair is a huge privilege and I look forward to working alongside Government, with its renewed focus and leadership of the Jet Zero Taskforce. Together, we can harness the ambition across industry to achieve net zero 2050.”

Today's launch comes as the department invests up to £450,000 to support aviation decarbonisation measures in other countries, such as helping developing states develop policy and access financing for sustainable aviation fuel, as well as to offset carbon emissions from international flights.    

This follows a new UK target to reduce emissions by 81% by 2035, set at COP29 in Azerbaijan. This ambitious and pragmatic target will strengthen the UK's position as a place for investment, delivering jobs and economic growth.

One week before International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) marks its 80th anniversary, the Secretary General, Juan Carlos Salazar Gómez, is visiting the UK and today will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the UK, covering all areas of UK-ICAO co-operation.   

Both he and the Transport Secretary will be attending the Airlines 2024 Conference later today.