The CEO of the International Air Transport Association predicts further increases in airfare prices as the industry aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050.

Willie Walsh, director of the union that includes most of the world’s largest airlines, has called for more action on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), as aviation fuel is produced without the use of fossil energy sources, mainly from sustainable raw materials (biomass, waste oils, household waste, etc.).

Industry can’t absorb the increase

Let’s remind, this year the prices for air tickets have already grown that is connected with a rise in price of fuel.

“An industry that averages $1 per customer cannot be expected to absorb the coming growth. Airlines cannot cover the increased costs,” Walsh told reporters at a press conference.

For their part, environmental groups argue that higher airfare will be a deterrent to many travelers by reducing flights and thus emissions.

Walsh praised US efforts to boost “clean fuel” production, despite objections from European companies pointing out that “made in America” ​​incentives offered by the Biden administration could create an uneven playing field for European companies.

He even used the term “nonsense” when asked to comment on EU efforts to force airports to use SAF fuel, which is not widely available.

It is noted that the aviation sector is considered one of the most difficult to get rid of emissions of gaseous pollutants, since fuel for flights cannot be easily replaced by other forms of energy.

The US deflation law passed this year provides significant subsidies to the SAF industry in the form of tax breaks, but European industry leaders, including the head of Airbus, said the legislation was unfair.

Source: Reuters.