29 Aug 2024
Highlights:
A Q&A with IATA's Farah Mesmar
As the aviation industry confronts the pressing need for sustainability, Farah Mesmar, Regional Manager for Environment and Sustainability in the Africa and Middle East Region at the International Air Transport Association (IATA), shares her insights on the current state and future of sustainable aviation. Farah's expertise and advocacy work span decarbonization initiatives, sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), and environmental management systems, making her a pivotal figure in driving the industry's green transformation. In this exclusive Q&A, Farah discusses the advancements, challenges, and opportunities in making aviation more sustainable.
AviaPro: How do you see the current state of aviation sustainability, especially in the context of the Africa and Middle East regions?
FM: Globally, the aviation industry has set a goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. In Africa and the Middle East, the region is actively working towards this goal and greater sustainability, with various initiatives and investments aimed at addressing the current challenges and leveraging the growth potential. The focus is on creating a more resilient and sustainable aviation market that can contribute significantly to socio-economic development.
In Africa, the aviation industry has huge growth potential but faces challenges such as infrastructure constraints, high costs, and lack of connectivity. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has been focusing on improving safety, sustainability, and economic development in the region through initiatives like Focus Africa.
Meanwhile, in the Middle East, sustainable aviation is a high priority, with a particular focus on reducing carbon emissions and investing in renewable energy. For example, in December 2023, the UAE announced the General Policy for Sustainable Aviation Fuels, which includes SAF with a voluntary target of providing 1% of fuel supplied to national airlines at UAE airports using locally produced SAF by 2031.
AviaPro: What about recent advances in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and its adoption in mainstream airline operations?
FM: It’s certainly a game-changer. SAF is poised to play a critical role in reducing aviation’s carbon footprint and achieving net-zero CO2 emissions goals. IATA estimates that SAF will represent 65% of CO₂ emissions reductions by 2050. Despite a tripling of production in 2023 and a similar increase forecasted for 2024, the ramp-up is not going as fast as airlines would like. Supportive government policies, ongoing commitment from stakeholders (including oil majors), and expanded public-private partnerships are needed to overcome challenges related to cost and availability.
Innovations in SAF production technologies are accelerating globally, with advancements in feedstock diversity and conversion processes. This includes the development of alcohol-to-jet and e-fuels, which are crucial for long-term decarbonization.
There is also a noticeable global expansion in SAF production, with numerous projects announced and implemented at varying paces. Co-processing, which converts renewable feedstocks into SAF within existing facilities, is gaining interest due to its economic competitiveness. In addition, as the road transport sector decarbonizes, a shift from biodiesel production to SAF can be explored for increased SAF availability.
Let’s not forget that SAF is recognized for its potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions in aviation, with some estimates suggesting up to an 80% reduction compared to conventional jet fuel.
Governments around the world are showing a growing interest in SAF through various incentive schemes like the IRA in the US. On the multilateral level,, member states of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have adopted a 2030 goal for SAF deployment at a global level, and a global framework of enabling actions, aiming for aviation fuel in 2030 to be 5% less carbon-intensive than the fossil fuel used today.
On the airline side, the growing number of companies signing offtake agreements with SAF producers sends a clear signal to the market about the demand for larger quantities of SAF.
AviaPro: What role do you believe emerging technologies, such as electric or hydrogen-powered aircraft, will play in the future of commercial aviation?
FM: Emerging technologies like electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft are instrumental for the future of sustainable aviation. They promise significant reductions in carbon emissions, aligning with global climate goals. Hydrogen offers a low-carbon fuel alternative, requiring new design and infrastructure investments. While electric aircraft are closer to implementation, hydrogen’s impact is seen as more long-term due to the extensive innovation it necessitates.
Both technologies are crucial for aviation’s long-term sustainability, with strategic investments being key to accelerating their deployment and realizing their potential to drastically cut aviation’s environmental impact. However, these technologies will require significant scale-up, which is why SAF is so crucial to decarbonize in the short to medium term.
AviaPro: Since timing is everything, how is IATA working with airlines to balance operational demands with the urgency of the decarbonization agenda?
FM: It’s true that while moving fast is a priority, moving strategically is just as important.
In October 2021, a resolution was passed by IATA member airlines committing them to achieving net-zero carbon emissions from their operations by 2050.This involves a multifaceted approach including 65% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), 13% new technology like electric and hydrogen power, 3% operational efficiencies, and 19% offsets and carbon capture. Additionally, IATA launched the Net Zero Roadmaps detailing steps for technology, operations, and policy to meet this goal in addition to a Net-Zero Tracking Methodology.
IATA also emphasizes the need for government support and market-based measures to achieve net zero. IATA announced this month that it will establish the SAF Registry to accelerate the uptake of SAF by authoritatively accounting and reporting emissions reductions from SAF.
AviaPro: What are some of the challenges airlines face when aligning their operations with the goals of the Paris Agreement, and how can they overcome them?
FM: Top of mind, airlines face challenges like high costs of SAFs, technological advancements for zero-emission planes, and regulatory frameworks for emissions. To accelerate decarbonization, they need government intervention for investments in low- or zero-carbon technologies, development of SAFs, and economic incentives to bridge the price gap between alternative and fossil jet fuels and help create a functioning market. Immediate action by governments is crucial to reach the industry’s net zero CO₂ emissions by 2050 goal.
AviaPro: In terms of policy, what are the critical steps that need to be taken by aviation authorities to foster a more sustainable industry?
FM: To advance a sustainable aviation sector, governments need to adopt a balanced policy toolkit, offering incentives for the development and deployment of SAF, ensuring economic viability. The production of all renewable fuels will need to scale up rapidly, and among them, the need for a growing share of SAF production will necessitate strong policy support.
Implementing technology and feedstock agnostic policies for SAF is also key, as well as encouraging innovation without bias towards specific technologies or materials. About 80% of SAF expected to be produced over the next five years is likely to come from hydrogenated fatty acids (HEFA), like used cooking oils, animal fats, etc.
Governments should also promote global alignment on market-based measures like Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), fostering international cooperation for emission reductions. They can go a few steps further and consider how to invest in efficient aircraft and engine technologies, reducing emissions and improving performance, as well as how to optimize aircraft operations for better fuel efficiency and airspace management.
AviaPro: What about carbon offsetting programs in aviation? How effective are they as a sustainability strategy?
FM: It’s a good question, and the answer is that they are very important, and most effective when managed collectively. Offsetting and carbon capture represent out-of-sector solutions, and they’re essential for neutralizing emissions that cannot be immediately reduced.
ICAO’s CORSIA program is emphasized as the sole global market-based measure, making it crucial for harmonizing emission reductions in international aviation and avoiding a patchwork of regional schemes. It ensures a standardized approach to offsetting excess emissions, thereby supporting the aviation industry’s unified transition towards net-zero emissions by 2050.
AviaPro: How does IATA support airlines in developing countries, where resources for sustainability initiatives might be more limited?
FM: For one, we provide training programs to nurture local talent and enhance operational skills. IATA also advocates for policy support from governments and stakeholders to facilitate sustainable practices. Collaboration with international organizations helps in sharing best practices and resources.
Another example is IATA’s “Focus Africa” initiative, which plays a significant role in aiding airlines in Africa. This initiative aims to address critical challenges and unlock aviation’s potential across the continent. It focuses on six key areas: Safety, Infrastructure, Connectivity, Finance & Distribution, Sustainability, and Future Skills.
As part of the second Focus Africa Conference which took place in July, IATA highlighted the vast potential in SAF production in South Africa and called on the country’s government and global stakeholders to mobilize their experience, resources, and infrastructure to accelerate the development of SAF production.
AviaPro: Based on what you’re seeing at work through the industry, what sustainability trends do you predict will emerge in the next five years?
FM: It’s an interesting question, because a lot of what’s coming down the pipeline is already being worked on developed today.
From a technical perspective, in the next five years, the aviation industry will likely see increased adoption of SAF to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint, from a wider variety of feedstocks and production methodologies (like e-fuels), and we’re also anticipating a series of advancements in electric and hybrid propulsion technologies for new aircraft designs.
From an operations perspective, we’re also seeing airlines successfully improving efficiency in flight and ground operations with a view to lower emissions. And in parallel to all of this, we’ll likely see enhanced industry-government collaboration to harmonize regulations and incentives for sustainable aviation practices.
AviaPro: Lastly, how can individual stakeholders within the aviation ecosystem, including passengers, contribute to the industry's sustainability efforts?
FM: People care about sustainability, and the numbers prove it. For example, a recent IATA survey revealed significant public support for SAF. Some 86% of travelers agreed that governments should provide incentives for airlines to use SAF, and the vast majority of air passengers agree that leading oil corporations should prioritize the production of SAF.
That’s a good thing. We invite passengers to be aware of the industry’s plans and to support them. As consumers and citizens, flyers have the power to influence governments to take the right policy decisions to ensure that the safety, convenience and freedom to fly is extended to future generations.
Farah Mesmar's insights underscore the complex but promising path toward sustainable aviation. As our industry navigates these challenges, stakeholders at all levels must collaborate to achieve a greener future. AviaPro Consulting Inc. is here to support airlines in implementing these transformative practices, ensuring a long-term, sustainable trajectory for the aviation sector.
Note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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