Milestone
This involves establishing technical working groups to define a "universal language" for the new system. This includes creating a single, universal standard for tracking complex data, such as for 'Sustainable Aviation Fuel' (SAF) lifecycle tracking.
Failure to define these standards means all data remains siloed, unverified, and untrustworthy. A global "book-and-claim" market for SAFs becomes impossible, and any attempt at global enforcement will be immediately halted by legal disputes over data accuracy.
Scenario
Optimising together
Context Factor
A unified global regulatory, legal, and data framework for the net-zero transition and seamless air travel.
Timeline
Short term
PESTEL
Empower global institutions with a binding mandate for the net-zero transition.
This action involves convening member states to formally grant key bodies (e.g., ICAO) binding regulatory and enforcement powers, moving them beyond their current advisory-only status to create a single, level playing field.
Read moreDefine a common global standard for calculating 'life cycle emissions values'.
This involves a global agreement on a single, transparent methodology to calculate all emissions, such as a mandatory, unified 'cradle-to-cradle' Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for all aircraft and fuels.
Read moreEstablish global 'open data' research platforms.
This action involves establishing the foundational "blueprint" for the global digital twin. This means defining the common data standards and core software architecture that will allow all future aircraft, airports, and ATM systems to connect to a single, shared, real-time virtual model of the entire aviation network.
Read moreFinancial incentives to use the most sustainable travel option provides positive incentives to shift passenger behavior. This measure also indirectly motivates (air) transport operators to improve the sustainability of their offerings.
Part of the funds derived from taxations or market based measures can be used to co-invest with the travel industry in sustainable technological innovation. This helps airlines to offer sustainable travel options with a good passenger experience to a wider demographic including grey nomads, travel fanatics and ‘bleisure’ travellers. Airlines can then shift their business models from volume driven to (sustainable) value driven travel.
... the establishment of certification standards is needed to boost private and public investment, while maintaining the technological base and leadership in Europe. Such legislative actions are integral to propelling technological progress, particularly in the field of power-to-liquid pathways. (Transition to sustainability in the European Union aviation system (2024), p. 23)
"... innovative companies that want to scale up in Europe are hindered at every stage by inconsistent and restrictive regulations." (The future of European competitiveness (2024), p. 6)