The ATAG Member Briefing

Support for ICAO’s work programme

In August 2024, ICAO granted ATAG with permanent observer status, which was recognition of the role ATAG has played in recent ICAO developments including the long term aspirational goal.

ATAG continued to support the ICAO work programme in 2024, through a range of activities.  

ICAO Finvest Hub

ATAG has been instrumental in the development of the Finvest Hub, which will help to bring together the various parties that are vital in the SAF scale-up challenge. This initiative was established at the ICAO Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3) in November 2023. The purpose is to provide a platform to directly connect the different aviation players worldwide including States, the UN, finance (multilateral and private), energy (both traditional and new producers) all of which are part of this process. This will help to secure funding for SAF production facilities, clean energy infrastructure and other aviation decarbonisation initiatives. Haldane Dodd was asked by ICAO to provide guidance and assistance with the set-up of the Finvest Hub. 

ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS)

ATAG participated in the GISS in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic in April / May 2024 and again in Abu Dhabi in February 2025. The Finvest Hub was one of the topics on the agenda, along with infrastructure, optimising air traffic management, sustainability and the economic benefits of aviation. 

14th ICAO Air Navigation Conference

ATAG coordinated papers for the 14th ICAO Air Navigation Conference in Montreal, in September 2024. The conference theme was “Performance Improvement Driving Sustainability”. ATAG worked with industry experts to develop the following:

•  A Working Paper on the Industry contribution to the ICAO Long-Term Aspirational Goal (LTAG), which explores how States and ICAO can help with progress on new technology, SAF and operational measures.
• An Information Paper on Industry considerations of contrail management solutions, which focuses on the questions and uncertainties surrounding contrail mitigation. 

ICAO Symposium on Non-CO₂ Aviation Emissions

ATAG participated in the 2024 ICAO Symposium on Non-CO₂ Aviation Emissions in Montreal, in September. On the sidelines of the Symposium, ATAG organised a breakfast briefing discussion between government representatives, the aviation industry and the research community.

Roundtable discussion with the multilateral development banks

The Roundtable with the ICAO Secretary General was organised with ATAG’s input in September 2024, in Washington. The aim was to share views and improve understanding on what is needed to achieve the net zero and SAF goals and to discuss the next steps for the Finvest Hub. An additional outreach opportunity to private banks was facilitated by ATAG in November in London.

ICAO LTAG Stocktaking Event on Aviation CO₂ Emissions Reductions

ATAG attended the 2024 ICAO LTAG Stocktaking Event on Aviation CO₂ Emissions Reductions in Montreal, in October 2024.

ICAO 80th anniversary celebration of the Chicago Convention

ATAG was one of a limited number of observer organisations to be invited to speak during this unique event, held in Chicago in the same hotel where the Chicago Convention was signed 80 years previously. 

ATAG coordinated a cross-industry Declaration entitled Eighty years of collaboration, progress and innovation in global aviation. This was presented at the event and signed by ATAG, ACI, ASA World, CANSO, IATA, IBAC, ICCAIA, IFALPA, IFATCA, ITF and TIACA. The occasion was used to launch the 2024 edition of Aviation: Benefits Beyond Borders (see separate section). ATAG also undertook a large social media campaign focusing on the progress in civil aviation over the last 80 years.

For further information, see:

• The ATAG press release: Global aviation industry delivers joint declaration to ICAO on 80th anniversary of the Chicago Convention. 
• The ATAG press release: As Chicago Convention turns 80, report highlights civil aviation’s socio-economic impact. 

ICAO Finvest Hub Day 2025

ATAG participated in the ICAO Finvest Hub Day in Abu Dhabi, February 2025. This was organised in the context of the GISS and the Global Sustainable Aviation Marketplace (GSAM) – an initiative from the General Civil Aviation Authority of the UAE and supported by ICAO to foster vital partnerships between the global private and government sectors to drive decarbonisation in the aviation industry. 

Two days were devoted to sessions on SAF and the Finvest Hub. Haldane conducted an interview with ICAO’s Secretary General on the role ICAO sees the Hub providing.

Upcoming ICAO events in 2025

ATAG will participate in the following ICAO events, which will take place in 2025:

• ICAO Climate Week from 2-4 June 2025. Topics on the agenda are likely to be: the Long Term Aspirational Goal for international aviation, CORSIA, preparations for the ICAO Assembly, climate adaptation and the non-CO₂ effects of aviation.
• The 42nd ICAO Assembly, which will run from 23 September to 3 October 2025. Sustainability and environment are not expected to be the main focus. It will be important to ensure that the goal adopted at CAAF/3 in 2023, for aviation fuel to be 5% less carbon intensive by 2030, is reflected in an Assembly Resolution. There may also be some discussions on the non-CO₂ effects of aviation, as well as CORSIA, but these will not figure very high on the agenda. Progress will need to be made on the Finvest Hub either at or before the Assembly.