The recently-concluded 78th International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit (WATS) was a successful gathering of aviation leaders from across the globe for having meaningful consultations to chalk out concrete plans to steer the industry out of challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic in the last two years and address future sustainability issues.
The airline industry’s biggest annual event welcomed over 1,000 delegates and aviation leaders from across the globe to discuss significant industry issues. The three-day conference provided a golden opportunity for key players within IATA’s 240 member-airlines to gather in-person and share insights on important topics impacting the future of the airline industry such as eliminating single-use plastic; limiting air pollution; and the importance of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
Addressing the event, Minister of Transport, H E Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti recognised the role of IATA in uniting the world and working for safe, secure, sustainable, and accessible air transport. The event started on Sunday and will conclude today.
International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) made a monumental decision to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. A huge chunk of the carbon abatement comes through Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) which accounts to 65 percent; followed by 19 percent through offsets, carbon capture; 13 percent from hydrogen and electric propulsion; and 3 percent from more efficient operations. During the conference, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker revealed that the research being done by Qatar University to produce affordable and sustainable biofuels is in “good progress.”
The results of the ground-breaking research are “very positive,” according to Al Baker. The state-backed QR45.5m biofuel project started a decade ago. “I think once they mastered the process, they will be able to produce large amount SAF. As for me, I will be delighted to refuel my aircraft as much as possible provided, I don’t have a problem paying 20 percent more than my current cost of fuel to fuel our aircraft with SAF,” Al Baker explained.
Separately, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, H E Akbar Al Baker said that they have not seen any labour shortage in Qatar Airways and they are looking to hire 900 pilots as part of their growth plan.The International Air Transport Association (IATA), Qatar Airways, and Qatar Post also signed an agreement that will simplify billing and settlement between airlines and postal operator or the Postal Accounts Settlement System (PASS).
