COP29: Italy towards zero-emission aviation

The PACTA Foundation (Pact for the Decarbonization of Air Transport) represented Italy during COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, presenting an ambitious and concrete plan for the decarbonization of air transport. This participation marks a crucial moment for the Italian aviation sector, which is facing the global challenge of environmental sustainability and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

 

During the event, the Minister of the Environment and Energy Security, Hon. Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, underlined the need to modernize Italian airspace, increasing efficiency and reducing the consumption of fossil fuels. A central role in this commitment will be played by sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), which offer the potential to reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional fuels. To support this transition, the government has already allocated 260 million euros to the transformation of existing refineries into biorefineries capable of producing fuels with low environmental impact.

 

Italian airports are also at the forefront, with major investments to adapt the infrastructure necessary for the distribution and storage of SAF and to reduce emissions at the airports themselves. Among the measures envisaged are energy efficiency projects and the adoption of innovative technologies to minimise the environmental impact of airport activities.

 

The PACTA Foundation, made up of 17 members among the main industrial and institutional players in the sector, presented in Baku the results achieved and the strategies for the future. The goal is zero-emission aviation, achievable through collaboration between the public and private sectors, technological development and the adoption of targeted support policies. This integrated approach is essential to address the challenges of climate change and to ensure sustainable aviation in the long term.

 

The Baku event represented an important showcase for Italy, which proposes itself as a leader in the decarbonization path, in line with global climate goals and with the desire to promote a greener and more sustainable future for the air transport sector.

 

It is an Italian initiative that brings together companies, institutions and associations in the aeronautical sector with the aim of promoting environmental sustainability in air transport. Founded by Aeroporti di Roma, the Foundation is committed to developing and implementing strategies to reduce CO₂ emissions, in line with global climate goals. It collaborates with various institutions and companies and the partners are Airbus, Boeing, easyjet, Enel, Eni, Ferrovie Italiane, Ita Airways, Mundys, Neste, Save and Swissport.

 

By the editorial staff of Avion Tourism Magazine