Executive Summary
As expected, this decade is proving to be decisive in dealing with climate change. 2023 and 2024 have seen temperature records broken around the world and subsequent climate change trends that are transforming the planet, with Europe warming faster than any other continent.
Along with all other economic sectors, aviation finds itself at a crossroads in its decarbonisation transition, with increasing pressure to deliver against agreed environmental goals and challenges due to supply chain issues delaying fleet renewal as well as the premium price of Sustainable Aviation Fuel and limited production capacity. While aviation is strategically important for Europe and provides significant benefits through connectivity, employment and the wider economy, there is a greater scrutiny of its negative effects (noise, air quality and climate change) on the health and quality of life for European citizens and a desire for intensified action.
These challenges have been acknowledged within Europe and the last few years have seen significant developments under the European Green Deal. The focus must now be on turning sustainability goals into action in order to manage an orderly transition to cleaner aviation while maintaining a high uniform level of safety and connectivity. This 4th European Aviation Environmental Report provides an overview of current progress and the way forward.
