The International Air Transport Association (IATA) will monitor industry-level progress toward aviation’s objective to Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050 in an annual Track Zero report utilizing IATA’s Net Zero Tracking Methodology.
Together with sector specialists, the Net Zero Tracking Methodology and associated reporting process were created. IATA will compile and present yearly industry-based inputs from IATA member airlines. Aggregate industry data from the prior calendar year will be released annually in the fourth quarter of each year after complete validation. The first report containing data from an airline is anticipated to be released in Q4 2024. Airlines that are not IATA members are also urged to submit information and take part in reporting.
Transparency is a critical element of aviation’s decarbonization. We will report our progress annually to ensure standardized, accurate and comprehensive reporting of aviation’s journey to net zero. Industry-level data in the Track Zero report will help airlines, governments, and investors with tools to improve decision-making to accelerate progress,” said Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s Senior Vice President Sustainability and Chief Economist.
Individual airlines may use the aggregate data of the Track Zero report to benchmark their own progress towards decarbonization. They may also choose to report their progress on decarbonization to key stakeholders including governments, investors and customers, using IATA’s Net Zero Tracking Methodology.
“Decarbonization is an industry challenge, not a competitive issue. Nonetheless, the report and the methodology behind it can enable benchmarking that could intensify decarbonization efforts by spreading the success of best practices and sparking innovation,” said Owens Thomsen.
Key features of the Net Zero Tracking Methodology include:
Standardization: The methodology establishes a transparent framework for accurate reporting that can be used industry-wide by identifying the relevant emissions scope, sources, and processes for emissions tracking and measurement.
Accuracy: The methodology includes best practices for data collection and validation with minimal administrative burden.
Comprehensiveness: The methodology accommodates reporting of all manner of decarbonization activities on a lifecycle basis, including usage of conventional and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), carbon offsets/carbon capture, and future power sources (hybrid-electric, electric, and hydrogen-powered aircraft).
The decision to publish a Track Zero report follows the release by IATA of five roadmaps detailing critical actions for aviation to achieve net zero CO2 by 2050. They address aircraft technology, energy infrastructure, operations, finance, and policy. Together, they show a clear direction and will evolve with the insights of the Track Zero report, practical experience and emerging technologies to help aviation set interim milestones on the way to net zero.
