Emirates unveils $200m aviation sustainability fund

Emirates unveils $200m aviation sustainability fund

UAE carrier Emirates said on Thursday that it has committed $200m to fund research and development (R&D) projects focussed on reducing the impact of fossil fuels in commercial aviation. Emirates added that it is “the biggest single commitment by any airline on sustainability” and added that the funds will be disbursed over three years. Emirates’ Environmental Sustainability Executive Steering Group will oversee the disbursements from the fund and will be supported by technical experts. Sir Tim Clark, president of Emirates Airline, said, ” Our $200m fund is earmarked for R&D, and not for operating costs like the purchase of SAF or carbon offsets to tick regulatory boxes – activities we consider business-as-usual. We are ring-fencing $200m to invest in advanced fuel and energy solutions for aviation, which is where airlines currently face the biggest impediment in reducing our environmental impact. We looked long and hard at the reality we face in commercial aircraft and engine technology, fuel supply chain, and our industry’s regulatory and eco-system requirements. It’s clear that with the current pathways available to airlines in terms of emissions reduction, our industry won’t be able to hit net zero targets in the prescribed timeline. “We believe our industry needs