The UK, US, Canada and Singapore are to collaborate on efforts to decarbonise flights.
Ways to tackle climate change and harness the potential of the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry are being seen as an opportunity to usher in a new era of sustainable travel.
The UK and US governments will examine how to get SAF plants working at scale and promote the fuel as a solution to tackling climate change and creating jobs and skills for future generations.
Transport secretary Mark Harper is set to meet his counterparts as he co-chairs a SAF investor summit in Detroit.
The meeting is being seen as acting as a springboard for discussions on how to overcome future barriers the international sector may face, such as the widespread sourcing of materials to produce next-generation fuels, as well as the investment needed.
Made from waste materials or by-products, such as household waste, industrial gases or used cooking oil, it is claimed that SAF can achieve greenhouse gas emissions savings of more than 70% compared to conventional fossil jet fuel.
Harper and US transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg will discuss how to work together on reducing aviation emissions and share knowledge to accelerate the development of SAF.
The summit is being flagged as an opportunity for the UK to work with other governments and industry leaders to progress the UK’s commitment to at least 10% of jet fuel being from sustainable sources by 2030.
Representatives from Boeing, Iata, United Airlines, JP Morgan Chase, World Energy and the American Petroleum Institute will also be in attendance, underlining the importance of unlocking private investment to help grow the sustainable aviation sector, according to the Department for Transport.
Harper said: “While an ocean separates us, we’ve never been more aligned with the USA on the future of aviation and what that entails – whether it’s boosting jobs, opening new trade opportunities or delivering guilt-free air travel.
“This trip is a crucial part of our work to reduce emissions from aviation alongside the USA, Canada and Singapore, and I look forward to meeting my counterparts and industry representatives.”
Martin Ferguson, head of public affairs at American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT), said: “Scaling sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) must be looked at globally.
“The UK’s SAF industry could create up to 60,000 jobs and boost the economy by £10bn in GVA but we need powerful, bold action now.”