Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to ensure the aviation industry achieves net zero by 2050.

DfT published the Jet Zero Strategy in 2022, setting out the Government’s approach to achieving net zero CO₂ emissions by 2050 (or “Jet Zero”) for UK aviation. The Strategy focuses on the rapid development of technologies in a way that maintains the benefits of air travel, whilst maximising the opportunities that decarbonisation brings for the UK.

The Strategy confirmed the Government’s aim for the UK to become a world-leader in zero emission flight and to build a thriving sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry. The Department’s target is to deliver at least 10% SAF in the UK jet fuel mix by 2030. On top of existing programmes and support, the Government has made £165 million available to support industry to accelerate the commercialisation of SAF plants in the UK.

The Government is also supporting the development of new and zero emission aircraft technology through the Aerospace Technology Institute and will provide £685 million of funding over the next three years, an increase of £235 million over the previous period.

The Strategy includes an in-sector CO₂ emissions reduction trajectory from 2025 to 2050, against which the Department will monitor the sector’s progress on an annual basis from 2025. The Department has also committed to reviewing the overall Strategy every five years, which will allow the Department to adapt it’s approach based on progress made.