British pilots say they welcome a commitment by the aviation industry to cut carbon emissions carbon emissions to zero by 2050.

The plans, laid out in a new Decarbonisation Road-Map, published by the UK Sustainable Aviation coalition, point towards smarter flight operations, new aircraft and engine technology, modernising UK airspace, the use of sustainable aviation fuels, and high-quality market-based policy measures as a means of making the aviation industry greener.

The plan would allow the UK to grow passenger numbers by 70% – in line with current projections – whilst reducing net emissions from 30 million tonnes of CO2 per year today down to zero.

BALPA General Secretary, Brian Strutton, said:

“Pilots recognise the part the aviation industry has to play in the Government’s plan to reduce carbon emissions by 2050.

“At the same time, we know that aviation is a vital sector of the UK economy and this plan will allow the sector to thrive while controlling the impact it has on the environment.

“We are at the dawn of a new age of aviation technology. By committing to this plan to harness that cleaner technology and use airspace more efficiently we can reduce CO2 emissions without restricting growth.”