The Secretary of State for Transport has launched refreshed plans with a new dynamic group to tackle emissions and deliver more sustainable aviation.
Charting a clear path towards sustainable aviation with a new structure, the Jet Zero Taskforce will serve as the driving force to transform how people fly.
This aligns with the government’s mission to make the UK a clean energy superpower and kickstart the economy.
It will feature an annual CEO-level meeting, chaired by the Transport Secretary, to set the Taskforce’s priorities and review progress.
Taskforce will prioritise the use of sustainable aviation fuel
Building on the previous Jet Zero Council, the taskforce will support the production and delivery of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and zero-emission flights and examine how to improve aviation systems to make them more efficient.
The taskforce is set to meet for the first time on 4 December, and SAF will be high on the agenda. Being one of the most developed pathways to greener flying, this government has been clear in its commitment to creating a strong, resilient UK SAF industry.
Last week, the SAF Mandate was officially signed into law, requiring an increase in the amount of SAF in overall jet fuel from 1 January 2025.
By 2040, 22% of all jet fuel must come from sustainable sources—whether that be household waste or cutting-edge power-to-liquid technology.
The meeting will also explore 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.
Diverse membership represents the whole industry
The diverse membership has been specifically chosen to represent all corners of the industry – ensuring no stone is left unturned on the journey to sustainable aviation.
Louise Haigh, Secretary of State for Transport, explained: “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.”
Airlines UK CEO Tim Alderslade added: “The UK can lead the way in net zero aviation, ensuring our world-class aviation and aerospace companies can continue to support a growing UK economy.
“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.”
Measures to support international aviation decarbonisation
Today’s launch comes as the department invests up to £450,000 to support aviation decarbonisation measures in other countries.
These measures include helping developing states develop policies and access financing for sustainable aviation fuel and offset carbon emissions from international flights.
“As Virgin Atlantic demonstrated with Flight100 last year, decarbonising our sector requires radical collaboration – a shared goal underpinned by a bias to action,” stated Holly Boyd-Boland, VP of Corporate Development at Virgin Atlantic.
“Taking up the role of industry chair is a huge privilege and I look forward to working alongside government, with its renewed focus and leadership of the Jet Zero Taskforce.
“Together, we can harness the ambition across industry to achieve net zero 2050.”
This follows a new UK target to reduce emissions by 81% by 2035, set at COP29 in Azerbaijan. This ambitious and pragmatic target will strengthen the UK’s position as a place for investment, delivering jobs and economic growth.
One week before the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) marks its 80th anniversary, the Secretary General, Juan Carlos Salazar Gómez, is visiting the UK and today will sign a memorandum of understanding with the UK, covering all areas of UK-ICAO cooperation.
