Third Report - Net zero and the UK aviation sector
Select Committee
Environmental Audit Committee
HC 404
21 December 2023
Government response
Sixth Special Report - Net zero and the UK aviation sector: Government Response to the Committee’s Third Report · published 3 Apr 2024
Recommendations & Conclusions
5 results
3
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 49
Inclusion of international aviation emissions in Sixth Carbon Budget sends positive signal
Conclusion
The Government’s decision to include international aviation emissions in the UK’s budgets with effect from the Sixth Carbon Budget has sent a very positive signal about the UK’s resolve to address carbon emissions from UK aviation by the use of …
Read more
Government Response Summary
The government notes the recommendation, acknowledges the complexity and varying models for aviation emissions, and states that DfT is continually improving its modelling capability and will consider new evidence as part of monitoring the Jet Zero Strategy.
14
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 110
Government initiatives to establish domestic SAF industry and mandate are welcomed and monitored.
Conclusion
We welcome the initiatives taken by the Government to date to establish a domestic industry for the manufacture of sustainable aviation fuels, and the steps it is taking to build long-term supply chains for domestic and international aviation. We note …
Read more
Government Response Summary
The government notes the committee's observation and states that while its Jet Zero Strategy focuses on new fuels and technology without limiting growth, it will consider further measures if the sector does not meet emissions reduction targets.
20
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 142
Zero-emission flight shows promising long-term potential for eliminating aviation carbon emissions.
Conclusion
Zero-emission flight represents a very promising long-term prospect for achieving reductions in the CO2 emissions from UK aviation. Unlike the use of SAF, zero- emission flight technologies hold out the promise of eliminating the carbon emissions entailed in aircraft movements. …
Read more
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the committee's observation by detailing its significant financial support for the Aerospace Technology Institute Programme, which funds the development of new and zero-carbon emission aircraft technology.
29
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 195
Jet Zero Strategy prioritises aviation growth over demand management, exceeding CCC recommendations.
Conclusion
We note that UK Ministers have so far ruled out the inclusion of active demand management measures in the Jet Zero Strategy in preference for a policy which promotes the growth of the airline industry following the pandemic. This is …
Read more
Government Response Summary
The government notes the committee's observation about its preference for growth over demand management in the Jet Zero Strategy, stating its focus is on new fuels and technology to achieve net zero, but will consider further measures if emissions targets are not met.
36
Recommendation
Acknowledged
Para 202
Aviation sector must actively engage in review of emissions reduction shortfalls.
Recommendation
The review should be undertaken with the active engagement of the UK aviation sector, which is principally responsible for delivering the reductions in emissions it has claimed are possible: any shortfalls in delivery ought to be reviewed and urgently remedied.
Read more
Government Response Summary
The government notes the recommendation and outlines its commitment to a data-led approach, including annual monitoring of the Jet Zero Strategy from 2025, major reviews every five years, and the development of a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework.