Achieving sustainable air travel is no longer optional, it’s essential, according to Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE’s Minister of Economy.
The minister made the remarks during his keynote address at the 80th IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit in Dubai. He acknowledged the aviation industry’s role in connecting people and supporting global economies and pointed out its challenges in reducing carbon emissions.
“It’s also one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonise,” Al Marri said. “Aviation accounts for 2.5% of global CO2 emissions, but has contributed around 4% of global warming to date.”
He emphasised that sustainability is a top priority for the UAE, which is actively working to diversify its economy away from oil and address climate change. “The non-oil sector represents more than 74% of our GDP in 2023,” Al Marri highlighted.
According to Al Marri, the UAE has been a leader in promoting sustainable aviation practices. The country actively participates in international negotiations on environmental impact. It has launched the National Sustainable Aviation Fuel Roadmap with an ambitious goal of producing up to 700 million litres of sustainable fuel annually by 2030. This initiative is expected to reduce up to 4.8 million tonnes of CO2 emissions.
“COP28 highlighted the need for technological advancements within the aviation sector,” Al Marri explained. This includes developing more fuel-efficient aircraft and exploring alternative propulsion systems such as electric and hybrid engines and hydrogen.
He added that the UAE is committed to participating in the climate crisis solution and decarbonising the industry as one of the leading economies in travel and tourism in aviation. “We believe that partnership and collaboration with the private sector are crucial to achieving our economic sustainability goals. And the UAE views the private sector as a key driver of growth.”
