Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew told ENA that the group has been working to achieve the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) net-zero carbon emissions target by 2050.
The Ethiopian Airlines Group leadership and staff members planted tree seedlings at Nifasilk Lafto Sub-city in Addis Ababa today.
On the occasion, Mesfin said the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has prepared a road map for the air transport industry to reach net-zero carbon emission by 2050.
“There are key milestones and techniques to achieve the ultimate goal. Out of this, 65 percent of the carbon reduction will come from use of sustainable aviation fuel, instead of the normal jet fuel,’’ he stated.
According to him, the air transport industry is just at the beginning of the road map with respect to sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).
Yet, the CEO believes that many companies around the world will invest in the production of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).
When sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) is accessible, Ethiopian Airlines will start to use SAF in its regular operation, Mesfin said.
The CEO further noted that the second method of reducing carbon emission is by using latest technology engines in aircraft, and “we have already started using more efficient engines on our latest aircraft. And we can say we are ahead of the industry in that respect.”
The third method is to use different techniques for reducing fuel consumption while aircraft are flying. Ethiopian has almost fully implemented those techniques in its flight and maintenance operations, he added.
Mesfin stressed that the group is committed to staying on course along the road map developed by ICAO for the air transport industry.
“Today, we have planted trees seedlings to contribute for the effort of the nationwide Green Legacy Initiative, and to tackle global climate change. The trees we planted will have enormous impact on the climate of the country as well as the world, ” the CEO pointed out.
He also disclosed that the group has set plan to plant 100,000 tree seedling this rainy season.
The nation has finalized reparations to plant 500 million tree seedlings on Monday July 17 and break own previous planting record.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency