Air transportation industry has faced growing pressure to deal with its outsized role in the climate crisis.
"It's an excellent result," a diplomatic source told the AFP news agency, revealing that only four countries -- including China, the main thrust of global growth in air travel -- "had expressed reservations." The International Air Transport Association said airlines were "strongly encouraged" by the adoption of the climate goal, coming one year after the IATA endorsed the same position at its own general meeting.
"The global aviation community welcomes this landmark agreement," said Luis Felipe de Oliveira, head of Airports Council International which represents 1,950 airports in 185 countries. In addition, 50 percent of airline emissions come from the one percent of travellers who fly the most, it found. During the 10-day meeting, Russia had sought but failed to get enough votes to be re-elected to the ICAO's governing council, which is responsible for ensuring compliance with aviation rules.