Bringing sustainable aviation to the global stage
The European Commission is expanding its commitment to sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) beyond Europe, joining forces with African partners to accelerate the decarbonisation of international air travel. This effort forms part of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy and supports the European Green Deal, which targets net zero emissions in aviation by 2050.
High-level talks on financing SAF in Africa
On 11 September, the Commission and the African Civil Aviation Commission hosted a high-level meeting dedicated to addressing financing challenges for SAF and other low-carbon energy solutions in Africa. The gathering brought together senior representatives from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the African Union, the European Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the World Bank, and the African Development Bank.
Exploring investment and cooperation models
Discussions at the meeting centered on potential financing structures and mechanisms that could support investment in SAF production capacity and promote the wider adoption of cleaner energy in aviation. Several financial institutions expressed their readiness to collaborate on innovative financial support frameworks for such projects.
Building long-term partnerships
Opening the event, Magda Kopczyńska, Director-General for Mobility and Transport at the European Commission, highlighted the importance of forging international partnerships to scale up sustainable aviation fuels and ensure global progress toward climate goals.
