Carriers Urge SAF Scale-Up to Hit 2050 Net Zero

At the Routes Europe 2025 conference in Seville, senior executives from easyJet, TUI and Aena expressed cautious optimism that aviation can meet its self-imposed 2050 net zero carbon target, while warning that the next five years will be decisive. The panel, featuring easyJet’s Javier Gándara, TUI’s Aage Dünhaupt and Aena’s Susana Gallart Peñas, came just months after IATA Director General Willie Walsh conceded that government policy and limited sustainable aviation fuel availability threaten the industry’s roadmap to decarbonization.

Gándara argued that aviation has repeatedly overcome cost and technological barriers, pointing to clear roadmaps for emissions cuts and ongoing development of hydrogen‑powered, zero‑emissions aircraft in partnership with Airbus. He stressed that sustainable aviation fuel is essential in the short, medium and long term, but that regulators must show political courage to accelerate SAF production and advance European Union air‑traffic‑management modernization under Single European Sky. Without these steps, he warned, Europe risks missing a vital opportunity to secure energy self‑sufficiency and maintain affordable air travel.

Gallart Peñas, whose Aena network spans 46 Spanish airports and stakes in facilities across Europe and North America, agreed that 2050 remains achievable—but only if decisive action occurs by 2030. She highlighted Aena’s success in reducing airport authority emissions and urged authorities to support industry investments in SAF, renewable energy and infrastructure upgrades. “We have just five years to change things,” she said, calling for accelerated policy measures and incentives to scale green technologies across airport operations.

From TUI’s perspective, Dünhaupt emphasized the need for targets that balance ambition with practicality. He praised governments for endorsing SAF but cautioned that without sufficient fuel supplies, airlines may have to shift net zero deadlines. He also noted divergent policies in North America under changing administrations and underscored the importance of maintaining a level playing field in a global industry. “We don’t want to change the behavior of flying,” he said. “Politicians must back industry efforts, and if SAF falls short, be willing to adjust timelines responsibly.”

All three panelists agreed that affordable travel must remain central to aviation’s sustainability strategy. Gándara warned that higher costs could discourage passengers and delay emissions reductions, while pointing to easyJet’s model of offering unbundled fares that allow choice between carry‑on fees, seat selection and ancillary services. Gallart Peñas and Dünhaupt echoed calls for regulatory frameworks that reward efficiency and low‑carbon solutions without penalizing travelers.

The discussion underscored that sustainable aviation fuel, infrastructure investment and regulatory reform are interdependent. Panelists highlighted successful airport carbon‑reduction initiatives—such as Aena’s mapping of its carbon footprint and LAX’s recent Level 4 Airport Carbon Accreditation—but stressed that industry‑wide collaboration is essential. With governments crafting policies on SAF blending mandates, carbon pricing and research funding, the aviation sector must leverage these next five years to scale technologies and secure the fuel supplies needed for mid‑century net zero.

Despite acknowledging the challenges, the executives concluded the panel on an optimistic note. By combining ambitious targets, public‑private partnerships and technological innovation—from hydrogen propulsion to advanced SAF feedstocks—aviation can maintain growth while radically cutting emissions. As Routes Europe delegates return to their networks, the message is clear: the clock is ticking, but with decisive action in the decade ahead, 2050 net zero remains within reach.

Tags: routes, SyndicEx250330B-0427B

Carriers Urge SAF Scale-Up to Hit 2050 Net Zero

Related Posts