German govt’s climate-neutral aviation working group calls for ramp-up of sustainable aviation fuel

A working group made up of government officials and industry representatives focusing on climate-neutral aviation is calling for clear commitment by political leaders and industry to the market ramp-up of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as well as a number of other key measures to reduce CO2 and climate damage. The working group, organised in 2022 by parliamentary state secretary Oliver Luksic and federal government aerospace coordinator Anna Christmann, includes experts from companies, associations, research institutes, trade unions and civil society. Published by the federal economic affairs and transport ministries, the proposals to achieve more climate-friendly and efficient aviation also include new landing procedures to reduce CO2, optimised flight routes to decrease the climate-damaging effects of contrails and continued research funding for the aviation industry. Noting that air traffic was increasing worldwide, Luksic said it was “all the more important that we now set the course for future-oriented aviation“ while continuing “to be a competitive aviation location in the future.” The group’s work is helping to identify key areas in which emissions can be saved quickly and effectively, he added. “We will examine these quickly and want to implement all sensible measures as quickly as possible." Christmann added that the working group’s “commitment across industry boundaries is unique to date and is an important basis for further decarbonising aviation in the coming years.”

As part of Germany’s efforts to make the aviation industry fossil-free, the German Energy Agency (dena) has also examined the potential use of synthetic jet fuel made from green hydrogen and sustainable CO2. Luksic and Christmann will present the working group’s results and proposals on Wednesday at the ILA International Aerospace Exhibition in Berlin.