EUROCONTROL has just released its long-term flight and CO2 forecasts, looking at how aviation will develop in the next 25 years – as well as the pathway to net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic which caused a significant short-term drop in traffic, the number of flights in Europe is expected to grow over the next 25 years, to reach 15.4 million flights in 2050, an increase of 52% compared to 2023 levels. Simultaneously, in line with European and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) objectives, the aviation sector is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The good news is that where there is a will, there is a way. Three main areas will contribute to this ambitious goal: the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), improvements in fleets and technology; and the modernisation of airports, ATM operations and infrastructure, in particular through innovation. Additionally, out-of-sector measures will still be needed to achieve net-zero. All in all, the aviation industry will greatly rely on financial incentives and an appropriate regulatory framework to meet its commitments. (....)