We have expanded the list of climate policies we assess company engagement with to incorporate land-use related policy, referring to legislative or regulatory measures to enhance and protect ecosystems and land where carbon is being stored. Assessments under this category are currently underweighted in terms of their contribution to the overall company metrics. This weighting will be progressively increased over the next 6 months.
We adjusted the terminology used to describe the queries running down the left-hand side of our scoring matrix and added additional explanatory text to the info-boxes. This has no impact on the scores and methodology. It has been done following user feedback to improve clarity.
Climate Lobbying Overview: In 2021-23, Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) appeared to has mixed engagement with US climate policies for aviation. AIA appeared to support the US sustainable aviation fuel blenders tax credit and the implementation of the International Civil Aviation Organization’s CO2 standard into US legislation.
Top-line Messaging on Climate Policy: In AIA’s April 2022 ‘Horizon 2050’ report, AIA appeared supportive of net-zero CO2 emissions from international aviation by 2050. The report also appeared to communicate support for policies, incentives and market-based measures in response to climate change, but appeared to promote a “cohesive international strategy” achieved by global regulation through the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) over regional regulations. AIA’s corporate website, accessed in February 2023, also appeared to support the aviation industry’s goal of net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050, alongside policy to increase funding and the technological development of aviation, but did not appear to disclose it’s position on a wider range of climate-related policy. A July 2022 tweet advocated for a long-term aspirational goal to be achieved at ICAO’s 41st Assembly that is “in line with” the industry’s net-zero goal. Furthermore, a February 2021 joint letter, signed by AIA, appeared to advocate for global regulations through ICAO to be prioritized while asserting that domestic policies must avoid “jeopardizing the essential role aviation plays in our economy and society”.
Engagement with Climate-Related Regulations: In 2021-23, AIA appeared supportive of policies incentivizing SAFs and ICAO’s CO2 standards. AIA’s ‘Horizon 2050’ report, published in April 2022, appeared supportive of the Biden Administration’s ‘Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge’, alongside policies and incentives for novel aircraft technologies. A September 2022 tweet similarly appeared supportive of Biden’s SAF Grand Challenge. In a November 2021 press release, AIA also stated support for “tax and funding provisions that will encourage and support the research and development of…sustainable aviation fuels and hybrid-electric propulsion” under the Build Back Better Act. A May 2021 joint letter, signed by AIA, applauded the introduction of a SAF blenders tax credit under the Sustainable Skies Act, stating “we wholeheartedly support your bill”. A second May 2021 joint letter, signed by AIA, similarly advocated for a “10-year, $2/gallon performance-based SAF blenders tax credit”. AIA also signed an August 2021 joint letter which requested that a SAF blenders tax credit be considered under the budget reconciliation bill. Additionally, AIA CEO, Eric Fanning, expressed support for a US SAF blenders tax credit in a July 2022 press release.
Regarding ICAO’s CO2 standards, a February 2021 joint letter, signed by AIA CEO, Eric Fanning, appeared supportive of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) implementation of the standard into domestic law and urged the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to develop regulations to enable certification. AIA’s Horizon 2050 report, published in April 2022, further suggested support for the implementation of the global standard into US law through the FAA. February and April 2022 comments by AIA on Emissions Standards further appeared supportive of ICAO’s CO2 standards. However, in response to an August 2022 consultation regarding Airplane Fuel Efficiency Standards, AIA appeared to oppose the inclusion of rotorcraft, piston-engined and state aircraft from CO2 standards. Furthermore, in response to the Federal Acquisition Regulation’s proposed GHG emissions targets, AIA appeared to oppose the measure, asserting the Acquisition Regulation Council was acting beyond its legal boundary.
A February 2021 joint letter to policymakers, signed by AIA CEO, Eric Fanning, also expressed support for ICAO’s global Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). In addition, AIA appeared to advocate for the inclusion of renewable synthetic fuels under the US Renewable Fuel Standard in response to a February 2022 US consultation.
Positioning on Energy Transition: AIA appeared to support a transition from kerosene jet fuel to sustainable aviation fuels in 2021-23. AIA’s Horizon 2050 report, published in April 2022, suggested support for SAFs in the short-term, alongside aircraft powered by renewable electricity and green hydrogen from 2030-2040. A May 2021 joint letter, signed by AIA further described SAFs as “of critical importance to the aviation sector”. A February 2021 joint letter to policymakers, signed by AIA CEO, Eric Fanning, similarly appeared to express support for a transition to SAF.