Emirates, an airline based in Dubai, has announced the launch of a new fund that aims to invest in research and development projects dedicated to reducing the environmental impact of fossil fuels in commercial aviation. With a commitment of $200 million over a period of three years, this fund represents the largest sustainability initiative undertaken by an airline.
The aviation sector’s emissions are primarily attributed to fuel usage, contributing to approximately 2-3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This figure is expected to rise significantly in the coming decades without intervention. Current efforts to address the industry’s climate impact involve enhancing aircraft efficiency, developing sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), and exploring low or zero-carbon propulsion systems like electric or hydrogen-based technologies. However, most of these initiatives are still in the early stages of development.
While airlines and aircraft manufacturing industry groups have made commitments to achieve net zero emissions, and governments are increasingly setting emissions reduction targets for the industry, Emirates Airline President Sir Tim Clark believes that new solutions will be necessary to meet these goals.
According to Clark, “It is evident that the existing options for emissions reduction in the airline industry will not enable us to achieve net zero targets within the designated timeframe.”
The newly established fund will prioritize advancements in fuel and energy technologies, focusing on research and development. It will not be allocated for operating costs, including the purchase of SAF or carbon offsets.
Clark also stated that while new solutions are being developed, the airline will continue to increase the use of SAF, improve fleet operations efficiency, and introduce modern aircraft to its fleet. Earlier this year, Emirates conducted an experimental flight in collaboration with Boeing and GE, using 100% SAF in one engine of a 777-300ER aircraft.