Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh has today announced new plans to tackle aviation emissions forming a new group to advance sustainable aviation.
The group, confirmed to be called the ‘Jet Zero Taskforce’ will reportedly be responsible for transforming how people fly.
According to the government, Jet Zero Taskforce will adopt a new structure that will chart a clear path towards cleaner aviation.
It will feature an annual CEO-level meeting chaired by the Transport Secretary to set priorities for the Taskforce and review progress.
Members will include the Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Ed Miliband, CEOs of major airlines, such as easyJet and Virgin, airports like Heathrow and Manchester, as well as fuel producers, trade bodies and leading universities.
Building on the previous Jet Zero Council, the Taskforce has been put in place to support the production and delivery of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and zero emission flights.
It will also look at how to improve aviation systems to make them more efficient.
Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Haigh said: “Climate change is one of the biggest challenges we face, and together with industry, I am determined to build an aviation sector that’s future-ready and better for the planet.
“We need to make flying a cleaner, greener experience and the new and improved Jet Zero Taskforce will be the driving force behind this transition”
The new group is also tasked with exploring the sector’s demand for greenhouse gas removals and the non-CO2 impacts of aviation.
This includes vapour trails left in the sky to account for the sector’s overall environmental impact.
CEO of Airlines UK, Tim Alderslade empathised that the UK can lead in sustainable aviation, stating: “Collaboration with government and across the whole sector and supply chain is vital to making the rapid progress we need, and we look forward to working with the new Taskforce to help usher in a new era of sustainable air travel, with all the jobs and investment that entails.”
Jet Zero Taskforce will meet for the first time on 4 December and with the SAF Mandate officially signed into Law last week, the government confirmed SAF will be high on the agenda.