Published ahead of the Paris Airshow, the global survey showed just below half - or 46% - of the 325 executives surveyed believe the industry will meet its goal of net zero emissions by 2050, while 32% believe it will not and 22% are unsure."Respondents are split as to whether progress is happening at the right pace, with 51% saying it is too slow, adding a sense of urgency to a longer-term target," GE Aerospace said.
Environmental critics say the targets are unrealistic due to the low level of SAF available and argue the only way to reach them is to substantially reduce flying globally. "The survey is trying to show that this is ambitious, it's not going to be easy," Allen Paxson, vice president of commercial programs strategy at the U.S. engine maker said in an interview, adding he believed the target would be met.
The head of the International Air Transport Association, Willie Walsh, said last week airlines were "absolutely committed" to the 2050 target but reaching it would be tough.