The launch of Sustainable Aviation’s 2026 Decarbonisation Road-map at Farnborough International Airshow 2026 was an important reminder that aviation’s journey to net zero won’t be delivered by a single breakthrough.
Instead, it will require many solutions working together.
As a founding member of Sustainable Aviation, NATS has worked alongside industry partners for more than two decades to help shape the UK’s approach to decarbonising aviation. Today, the coalition brings together 46 organisations from across the aviation sector, working collaboratively to identify the technologies, policies and operational improvements needed to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The updated road-map comes at a pivotal moment. It argues that, without decisive government support, the UK’s £100 billion aviation sector risks higher transition costs, reduced global competitiveness and increased costs for passengers. At the same time, it demonstrates that decarbonisation and growth can go hand in hand, provided the right policy framework is in place.
“decarbonisation and growth can go hand in hand, provided the right policy framework is in place”
Encouragingly, the industry has already shown what’s possible. Between 2005 and 2024, UK passenger numbers increased by 28%, while average emissions per passenger fell by 22%. It’s clear evidence that innovation and operational improvements are already helping aviation reduce its environmental impact while continuing to connect people, businesses and communities.
The road-map sets out several pathways to achieving net zero by 2050, with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) expected to make the largest contribution to emissions reductions. Alongside cleaner fuels, next-generation aircraft, greenhouse gas removals and fleet renewal, it also reinforces the vital role of operational improvements, including airspace modernisation and air traffic management.
“innovation and operational improvements are already helping aviation reduce its environmental impact”
That matters because while many of aviation’s future technologies are still scaling up, improving the efficiency of today’s flights is something we can do now.
Every unnecessary mile flown means additional fuel burn and emissions. Modernising UK airspace enables aircraft to fly more direct routes, make more efficient climbs and descents, and spend less time in holding patterns. These improvements reduce emissions while also improving resilience and making better use of available airspace.
It’s why airspace modernisation remains one of the most important opportunities available today to help reduce aviation emissions.
“improving the efficiency of today’s flights is something we can do now.”
The road-map also makes clear that maintaining momentum will require continued government and regulatory support. Alongside measures to accelerate the production and affordability of SAF and continued investment in aerospace innovation, it calls for cross-party backing for the UK’s airspace modernisation programme.
Key recommendations from NATS include reforming the process used for changing process (CAP1616) to simplify and accelerate airspace changes, establishing the UK Airspace Design Service with the powers needed to coordinate airspace redesign at a national level, and ensuring both the Civil Aviation Authority and NATS have the resources needed to deliver multiple airspace change programmes in parallel.
“Success depends on close collaboration.”
These recommendations matter because modernising UK airspace is one of the most complex infrastructure programmes the aviation industry has undertaken. Success depends on close collaboration between government, regulators, airports, airlines and air navigation service providers, supported by a clear policy framework that enables change to happen at the pace required.
The road-map reinforces an important message: there is no single solution to decarbonising aviation. Achieving net zero will depend on cleaner fuels, new aircraft technologies, smarter operations and modern infrastructure working together.
As a founding member of Sustainable Aviation, NATS is proud to be playing its part. Through airspace modernisation, smarter air traffic management and continued investment in innovation, we’re helping reduce emissions today while building the foundations for a more efficient, resilient and sustainable aviation system for the future.
“there is no single solution to decarbonising aviation”
To learn more about the road-map and the actions needed to achieve it, read the full Sustainable Aviation 2026 Decarbonisation Road-map.
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