Sustainable Aviation’s 2026 Decarbonisation Road-Map presents an updated, ambitious plan based on several scenario-based pathways to deliver net zero carbon emissions through a combination of technological innovation, operational improvements, and low carbon aviation fuel.  

The aviation sector is a cornerstone of the UK economy, contributing more than £100bn annually and over 850,000 jobs across the UK. It connects people and businesses, carries one third of all freight by value, and enables growth in other sectors.  

“The aviation sector is a cornerstone of the UK economy”

Without further action the UK would lose its powerhouse footing. The Road-Map urges government to fund aerospace innovation, speed up airspace upgrades, make Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) widely affordable and fast-track UK production through the Revenue Certainty Mechanism, and create a cost-effective system for carbon removals.  

Neil Robinson, Chair of Sustainable Aviation said: “This new Decarbonisation Road-Map sets out the real progress the UK aviation industry is making to decarbonise and reach the target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.   

“With record numbers of passengers travelling through UK airports, our net emissions continue to fall. On average, emissions per passenger have fallen by 22% – demonstrating that UK aviation can continue to grow, connect businesses, and take people on …