ICAO reaches agreement on the targets to increase sustainable aviation fuels

On 20–24 November 2023, a high-level conference of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) convened in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and outlined the organisation's global vision for cleaner sources of energy, including sustainable and low-carbon aviation fuels. ICAO aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. 

The conference agreed on increasing sustainable aviation fuels, low-carbon aviation fuels and other cleaner energy sources so that carbon dioxide emissions will decrease by 5 per cent by 2030. This is compared to a situation where these type of fuels are not used. The target is global and non-binding.

The decision is important for decreasing aviation emissions and for promoting investments in the development, production and introduction of sustainable fuels. The conference decided on an initiative that would bring together financiers and parties in need of funding.    

The EU has already agreed on measures to increase sustainable fuels in air transport. The so-called ReFuel Aviation Regulation obliges fuel suppliers in the EU to supply sustainable fuels at airports. International targets for increasing sustainable aviation fuels, low-carbon aviation fuels and other cleaner energy sources will lead to a more level playing field.

Next steps

The results of the high-level conference will be discussed by the Council of ICAO. The ICAO Assembly will make a decision on the vision in autumn 2025. 

Inquiries:

Päivi Antikainen, Director of Unit, tel. +358 295 342 101, [email protected]

Niina Honkasalo, Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 34 2027, [email protected]