Willie Walsh says that there is still time for aviation to get back on track to meet its zero emissions by 2050 targets, suggesting that time is still available for the industry to adapt.
Criticism directed at the EU revolves around the fuel blend mandate and its unintended consequences, including increased costs for airlines.
The implementation of compliance fees by fuel suppliers has led to an additional $1bn dollars in fuel charges for airlines operating in the EU.
Walsh noted that the lack of available sustainable aviation fuel in France illustrates the disconnect between mandates and market realities.
European airline CEOs are facing difficulties in sourcing the required sustainable aviation fuel to meet their commitments and obligations.
Willie Walsh shared: “I don’t think 2050 is in doubt at this stage. What we’ve seen is that’s added about $1bn dollars to the price that airlines are paying for fuel in the EU. Mandating something that doesn’t exist makes no sense. These mandates are not being met and therefore the people who are required to fulfill the mandates are being fined. Consumers at the end of the day are paying more because airlines are facing higher fuel charges and there’s zero environmental benefit.”
