The United States released its first comprehensive Aviation Climate Action Plan Nov. 9 at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by the year 2050.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced Nov. 9 in Glasgow the U.S. aviation plan, which will set out to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from the U.S. aviation sector by 2050, according to a news release from the Federal Aviation Administration.
“ICYMI. @SecretaryPete’s announcement about our strong climate action plan is transformative for the entire U.S. aviation community. By being a global leader, we can achieve greater sustainability. #COP26 #FAAGlobal," said FAA News' Steve Dickson in a tweet Nov. 10.
As part of a worldwide push for greener infrastructure, energy and legislation, the plan will include increased production of sustainable aviation fuels. These are produced from renewable and waste feedstocks and can provide the greatest impact in the effort to reduce aviation’s greenhouse gas emissions, according to the release.
The plan will also see the development of new aircraft technologies through the Sustainable Flight National Partnership, NASA and the FAA aimed at working with industry to accelerate the development of more efficient aircraft and engine technologies that target up to a 30% improvement, according to the release. The FAA additionally expects to see an increase in operations efficiency while cutting airport emissions without impacting airport resilience.
