DESTINATION 2050 calls for EU ETS framework that supports aviation decarbonisation and competitiveness

On 1 October 2026, the DESTINATION 2050 partners called on EU policymakers to ensure the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) revision for aviation supports decarbonisation while safeguarding Europe’s competitiveness and connectivity.

While welcoming the European Commission’s review, the alliance raised concerns that elements of the current proposal could undermine investment certainty and slow the development of solutions needed to reduce aviation emissions. It stressed that climate ambition must go hand in hand with a policy framework that reflects the sector’s operational realities.

Seven priorities for aviation decarbonisation

DESTINATION 2050 outlined seven priorities for the revised EU ETS:

1. Strengthen support for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) through predictable, long-term incentives aligned with existing EU legislation.
   
2. Reinvest all aviation ETS revenues in the sector to support decarbonisation, technological modernisation and competitiveness.
   
3. Maintain the current geographical scope of the EU ETS and strengthen global cooperation through the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).
   
4. Establish a book-and-claim mechanism for SAF, allowing verified fuel purchases to receive support regardless of where the fuel is physically supplied.
   
5. Expand EU funding for aviation innovation, including more efficient propulsion systems, advanced materials, hybrid and electric aircraft, and other emissions reduction technologies.
   
6. Support carbon capture, utilisation and removal through dedicated funding and a clear regulatory framework.
   
7. Ensure that incentives for contrail avoidance are based on robust scientific evidence and demonstrated operational feasibility.

A framework for the transition to net zero

The EU ETS revision will influence investment in the technologies and solutions needed to reduce aviation emissions. DESTINATION 2050 calls for a predictable, coherent framework that encourages innovation, supports investment, and complements global efforts to address aviation’s climate impact. Achieving net zero CO₂ emissions by 2050 will require coordinated action across the aviation value chain, with climate policies that deliver emissions reductions while preserving Europe’s connectivity and competitiveness.

Find out more here.