The Toulouse Declaration marks the first time that European Governments, the European Commission, industry, unions and other key stakeholders have formally aligned on aviation’s net zero 2050 goal, with airports across the continent emerging as one of the strongest voices to drive the initiative forwards.

Seen as a highly significant moment, the Toulouse Declaration paves the way for the concrete next steps, both in the establishment of an EU Pact for Aviation Decarbonisation, and globally as the sector look to the UN’s ICAO to set a global goal for international aviation later this year.

Aviation’s decarbonisation trailblazers 

Airports have long been first movers in leading the challenge of decarbonising aviation. With almost 200 European airports now certified under the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme, and close to 400 airports globally, efforts in reaching net zero carbon emissions for those operations under the control of such facilities by 2050 continue to make tangible progress.

 

European airports jointly made this public undertaking in 2019, and have since reconfirmed this goal with a number of airports publishing roadmaps taking them to this target by 2030, with a handful of trailblazers already there. They are also actively engaging with their business partners and stakeholders to advance decarbonisation of the broader air transport system.

Sustainable actions of airports demonstrates “ambition, vision and excellence” 

ACI Europe represents over 500 airports in 55 countries. Our members facilitate over 90 per cent of commercial air traffic in Europe. Air transport supports 13.5 million jobs, generating €886 billion in European economic activity (4.4 per cent of GDP). In response to the Climate Emergency, in June 2019 ACI Europe’s members committed to achieving Net Zero carbon emissions for operations under their control by 2050, without offsetting. Based in Brussels, ACI Europe leads and serves the European airport industry and maintains strong links with other ACI regions throughout the world. 

ACI EUROPE’s signing of the Declaration, both in its own right and as a partner in the Destination 2050 aviation industry roadmap, is now complemented by the individual undertaking of over 200 airports across the continent adding their signatures.

“Each and every airport undersigning this Declaration is making a tangible difference to our future as an industry, as an economy and as a society,” remarked Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI EUROPE. “They continue to demonstrate ambition, vision and excellence in their sustainable actions. I admire and applaud each and every one of them.”