At the 2012 Aviation & Environment Summit, the aviation sector has committed itself globally to supporting sustainable development, supporting the establishment of collaborative actions throughout the aviation industry in order to reduce spent fuel and emissions. Thus, leaders of the aviation industry representing airports, airlines, air navigation service providers and aircraft and engine manufacturers, signed in Geneva the "Declaration of the Aviation & Environment Summit", a common message addressed to the governments that will meet in June in Rio de Janeiro for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development.
Mister. Paul Steele, Executive Director of the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), emphasized the leading role to be given to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in ensuring the global framework for market measures for the aviation sector and the need for governments to support research and development of new technologies, sustainable biofuels for aviation as well as those related to infrastructure improvement.
The Declaration states: “Aviation brings enormous benefits to communities and economies around the globe. It is a key element for economic growth and social development, ensuring the connection and access to markets and tourism. Air transport, which currently supports 56.6 million jobs and more than $ 2.2 trillion in gross domestic product, with a record for fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions, is a strategic contributor to sustainable development. ”