WASHINGTON, October 7, 2022 — A4A applauds ICAO for endorsing a net-zero by 2050 goal for international aviation emissions. While the agreement is not perfect, it builds upon the notable progress we have made in recent decades and will prevent a patchwork of global measures to address international aviation emissions. This ambitious milestone also represents an opportunity to spur the investments and technological innovation needed to enable U.S. airlines to continue to grow sustainably and meet our own commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

U.S. airlines voluntarily committed to CORSIA to reduce and offset carbon emissions, and the program dovetails with U.S. carriers’ partnership with the U.S. government to make 3 billion gallons of cost-competitive sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) available by 2030. We are proud of the work we are doing every day to advance sustainability both in-flight and on the ground and strongly support CORSIA as the sole measure that countries will use to address international aviation emissions. 

U.S. airlines have a long history of reducing emissions, even as we have grown to become an indispensable driver of global, national and local economy prosperity. The industry is employing a record 767,000 workers, supporting more than 10 million U.S. jobs and contributing nearly $1.7 trillion in U.S. economic activity. U.S. air carriers transport over two million passengers and 65,000 tons of cargo per day yet contribute just 2% of U.S. domestic greenhouse gas emissions.