EU releases Sustainable Transport Investment Plan: a step forward, but more needed

The European Commission has unveiled its Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (STIP), marking a vital policy milestone for aviation’s path to net zero. The plan sets out a clearer framework to address longstanding market barriers and stimulate the production and uptake of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) across Europe; however, the aviation industry, under the DESTINATION 2050 alliance, has called for further assurances to address uncertainties.

ACI EUROPE Director General Olivier Jankovec welcomed the move, noting ‘the STIP presented today by the European Commission finally delivers a concrete and comprehensive framework for the EU to tackle persistent market failures and unlock the investment and production of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) in Europe. We are grateful to Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas for this decisive step, which clearly recognises aviation as a strategic sector within the EU’s twin competitiveness and sustainability agenda.’

However, he stressed that real progress depends on swift implementation and action, starting with confirming the Book & Claim mechanism and extending SAF allowances under the EU ETS beyond 2030. ‘Europe cannot afford to lose more time,’ he warned.

Despite its positive direction, the plan’s proposed funding support remains limited. Without stronger and coordinated financial backing, the EU risks falling short of its decarbonisation targets and missing the chance to build a globally competitive, sustainable aviation industry.

The DESTINATION 2050 partners, therefore, call on the Commission and Member States to implement the plan swiftly, expand funding for SAF and emerging technologies, mobilise the European Investment Bank, redirect unused Recovery and Resilience funds, and ensure alignment across key EU directorates to provide long-term regulatory clarity.

Read more in our full press release here.