Europe's transport sector is set to become more climate-friendly. Air transport plays a prominent role in this. Key instruments of EU policy include emissions trading and increasing quotas for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). The targets are ambitious. In view of the difficult economic situation across Europe, it is more important than ever that regulation enables investment in efficiency and supports sufficient SAF production.

The International Civil Aviation Organization has set a target for CO2 emissions from international air transport to be reduced to net zero by 2050. To reliably achieve this important goal, the TUI Group airline has set itself a concrete interim target: by 2030, CO2 emissions per passenger kilometre are to be reduced by 24 per cent compared to 2019.

Efficiency is a key lever

Airlines make the most effective contribution to climate protection in aviation by renewing their fleets. New aircraft such as the Boeing 787 or 737 series are on average around 20 and 15 per cent more efficient than their predecessors, respectively. TUI is investing billions of euros in the latest aircraft: a total of 95 Boeing 737s of the newest generation – including the 737-8 and the larger 737-10 – are to be delivered over the next few years. Older and more fuel-intensive aircraft will be gradually taken out of service. TUI already has one of the most modern fleets in Europe.

Political support for SAF ramp-up

In addition to efficiency, the use of sustainable aviation fuels is an important component of the climate protection strategy. The EU blending quota – currently 2 per cent SAF and set to rise to 6 per cent SAF by 2030 – sets a clear ambition, but it faces a market with very limited supply. Synthetic aviation fuels in particular – for which a sub-quota of 1.2 per cent will apply in 2030 – are currently virtually unavailable on the market. Without targeted political support, there is a risk of penalties with no climate impact. What policymakers should do now:

• Enable SAF ramp-up: revenue from emissions trading and aviation taxes should be used specifically to establish a functioning SAF market.
• Establish eSAF production: governments should actively support investment in electricity-based fuels, as eSAF is not yet available on the market.
• Strengthen competitiveness: EU airlines face fierce international competition. The EU must take this into account, strengthen the competitiveness of European companies and take urgent action to avert regulatory burdens – so that airlines can afford to invest in further emission reduction measures.