Flight is a catalyst for social progress and commerce on a global scale, supporting $3.5 trillion of the world’s GDP. By 2050, aviation may carry 10 billion passengers and propel $9 trillion of economic activity1. Over the same period, aviation’s share of total global emissions could increase more than sevenfold to 22%.2
Can aviation reach net zero emissions by 2050?
According to Shell Aviation’s 2021 report, “Decarbonising Aviation: Cleared for takeoff”, rapid decarbonisation is possible. Hundreds of senior decision-makers in the industry have collated their findings to conclude that Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) can be the primary lever in driving us towards net zero emissions by 2050. However, if we are to reach this goal in the near future, investment in SAF production and technology must happen now.
All measures are required but SAF is key
Aviation can only achieve net zero by deploying all measures, but Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is the sector’s principal decarbonisation tool. SAF could contribute around 65%3 of the reduction needed to reach net zero in 2050.
Working towards a solution
Many fear that if the SAF supply challenge remains unresolved, the true cost will be borne by global commerce, and targets to achieve net zero will be missed. However, Shell believes that it is possible to solve this challenge at a sector level rather than at an individual operator level. By bringing together all who benefit from the use and provision of flight aviation, businesses and fuel suppliers can create the conditions necessary to fundamentally increase the supply and use of SAF.
Article supplied by AeroShell.