UK DfT revamps Jet Zero Taskforce as SAF mandate signed into law
November 25, 2024
A newly revamped UK Department for Transport Jet Zero Taskforce – replacing the previous Jet Zero Council – has been launched to tackle aviation emissions, with the “new dynamic group” set to “serve as the driving force to transform how people fly”. However, despite a change in leadership, the initiative’s overarching ambition of helping achieve the sector’s net zero 2050 goals remain firmly in focus.
Launched by the Secretary of State for Transport Louise Haigh, the Jet Zero Taskforce will take a holistic approach to helping address the aviation sector’s decarbonisation initiatives: from addressing efficiencies within aviation systems, exploring demand for greenhouse gas removals, and understanding the non-CO2 impacts of aviation. The Taskforce will also support the production and delivery of sustainable aviation fuels; underpinning the UK’s SAF mandate signed into law last week (something which will come into effect from January 2025).
“The new and improved Jet Zero task force will be the driving force behind this transition,” explained Haigh, who added: “I look forward to working with all members to deliver meaningful changes that will boost our economy and make the UK a global leader in sustainable travel”.
With ambitious industry-wide initiatives requiring collaborative commitment and dialogue, the Taskforce’s diverse members will include the secretary of state for business and trade Jonathan Reynolds, secretary of state for energy security and net zero Ed Miliband, CEOs of major airlines and airport representatives, alongside fuel producers, trade bodies and leading universities.
An annual CEO-level meeting chaired by the Transport Secretary will set priorities for the Taskforce and review progress. A smaller, focused Expert Group of sustainability leaders – chaired by minister for aviation, Maritime and Security Mike Kane, and Virgin Atlantic VP of corporate development Holly Boyd-Boland – will also help support the Taskforce’s priorities.
“As Virgin Atlantic demonstrated with Flight100 last year, decarbonising our sector requires radical collaboration – a shared goal, underpinned by a bias to action. Aviation can play a significant role in delivering the government’s missions for economic growth and clean energy,” concluded Boyd-Boland.”
