Pilots from around the world join forces to work towards sustainable aviation

The British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) is hosting the first international climate conference for pilots’ associations to be held in person. It will help shape international policy for environmental sustainability for pilots’ associations around the world.

The two-day conference for delegates of the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) Climate Working Group comes ahead of the publication of the UK Government’s Jet Zero Strategy due this summer.

BALPA has helped shape the upcoming UK Government’s Jet Zero Strategy and wants to see the UK lead the world in supporting aviation’s complex but necessary journey to Net Zero.

The conference will also help BALPA influence the UK Government’s position ahead of the 2022 International Civil Aviation Authority Assembly this Autumn.

BALPA was one of the first pilot members’ associations in the world to write and publish a comprehensive position paper on environmental issues.

BALPA is seeking a place on the UK Government’s Jet Zero Council to share the expertise and drive from its Environment Study Group alongside the experience of the 10,000 employed pilots that BALPA represents.

The conference will see presentations from the UK Aeronautical Technology Institute, Satavia and Heart Aerospace.

Jeremy Thomson, Chair of BALPA’s Environment Study Group said:

“BALPA wants to see a thriving future for the aviation sector in the UK, one that provides jobs for our members and mobility for our population. Yet we are in the midst of a climate crisis and have a moral and legal obligation to ensure our future is a sustainable one.

 “Pilots have always been the ‘conscience’ of the aviation industry over safety, helping to create the safest mode of transport ever known. BALPA’s efforts in sustainability will be the conscience of the industry with respect to tackling climate change, ensuring effective solutions to preserve the undeniable benefits of air travel to humanity and business.”