BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
With the price of aviation fuel reaching stratospheric heights in many jurisdictions, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has called for a harmonized position with regards to the development, production and deployment of the proposed Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), currently being considered by experts across the globe.
The Minister made the call on behalf of Africa at the ongoing Third ICAO Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels in Canada.
Keyamo reminded the organizers of the submissions made at the 41st ICAO Assembly where the global aviation stakeholders resolved to work together to achieve a collective long-term global aspirational goal for international aviation (LTAG) of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
He emphasized that no country or region should be left behind in the quest to get better and safer aviation fuels as the industry is a global one.
He said: “As we gather here in CAAF 3 to review and update the 2050 ICAO Vision for SAF, including LCAF and other cleaner energy for aviation, in order to define a global framework, I wish to highlight that no particular region should be left behind in developing, producing and deploying SAF/LCAF and other cleaner energy for aviation.
“Cost and affordability are central issues to implement policies in support of the Vision. Noting that the price differential of SAF/LCAF is higher compared to conventional jet fuels today, the global framework must address availability, reliability and affordability of SAF/LCAF and its cost impacts on air fares.
“Any potential targets or any amount of SAF/LCAF and other cleaner energy for aviation to replace conventional fuels should be a global target without attribution or commitment of individual State target”.
The global framework according to him must be supported by a robust and targeted institutional strengthening and capacity building, technology transfers and access to new and financing to all States especially to developing countries in line with the No Country Left Behind mantra.
“In particular for financing, the global framework must ensure simple, clear and easily accessible financing or funding (both public and private) for the development, production and deployment of SAF/LCAF”.
Keyamo added that the continent’s future plan for the aviation sector remains central to its growth and development, saying Africa has since realized that environmental sustainability and tackling climate change will contribute to the sustainable development of air transport especially in Africa.
“It is for this reason that the African Union under Agenda 2063 has identified the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) as one of the flagship projects to transform the aviation industry in Africa, promote socio-economic development and integration of Africa”, he added.
Keyamo also told the audience about the importance of Aviation to the African economy, “Africa is home to over 1 billion people with a vast landmass that requires a robust aviation system to move people and goods around. Aviation supports socio-economic development and integration of Africa and as such we have committed to ensure the growth and development of African Aviation in the same way as other regions of the world. As part of the African efforts to address this resolution, the African member States working through AFCAC have taken the initiative to accelerate the development, production and deployment of SAF, LCAF and other cleaner energy sources for aviation.
“The initiative focuses on four key pillars namely; development and Harmonization of Policies in Africa to promote SAF/LCAF development, production and deployment in African States, attract appropriate technology and financing to enable building of SAF/LCAF production facilities in African States.
“Institutional, Human and Technical Capacity enhancement in African States and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) to support implementation of SAF/LCAF initiatives in Africa including building of SAF/LCAF producing facilities in African States.
“Technical Feasibility studies/assessments on the potential of SAF/LCAF as a basis for public and private investment in SAF/LCAF production in Africa.
“Resource mobilization and lobbying through the African Union, it’s development partners as well as all other available funding sources to provide funding for building of SAF/LCAF production projects in African States”.
