Global airlines target Europe over green policies

Airlines took aim at Europe over green fuel mandates and its failures to stem France's air traffic control strikes as they weigh on carrier capacities at a global airlines meeting in Istanbul on Monday. European regulators have introduced a new mandate demanding airlines use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), an alternative to jet fuel that produces fewer carbon emissions but is between two to four times more expensive than its traditional alternative. New rules will require fuel suppliers to ensure they can make 2% of fuel available at EU airports SAF by 2025, rising to 6% in 2030, 20% in 2035 and gradually to 70% in 2050. "I think it's fair to portray the EU as being anti-aviation, whereas other parts of the world are very positive, pro-aviation," IATA head Willie Walsh said on Monday at the group's annual meeting. Officials lambasted Europe for introducing a mandate, arguing that a global approach to increasing SAF production or tax incentives like those introduced by the United States under the Inflation Reduction Act would be more effective. EU officials have said they are also helping to support the industry in its green transition through credits and other benefits and that the timelines for the mandates were reasonable. In 2021, the body released its strategy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, including a progressive increase in sustainable aviation fuel use. During its annual meeting this week, IATA highlighted its roadmap to that goal, which will include a tool to track the amount of SAF airlines are purchasing and using in order to facilitate accountability across the sector.<br/>