The G8 declaration specifically noted two points of significance to aviation: The need for a co-ordinated approach by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) which will guide the international aviation sector’s contribution to meeting the G8 recommended target to reduce global emissions 50 per cent by 2050 and more proactively engage the private sector and trigger investments through partnerships between government and business.

“Effectively addressing climate change is a top priority for the aviation sector," said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA’s director general and chief executive. "Aviation is a global industry and its emissions should be accounted for at the global level as a sector, not by state. In line with the Summit Declaration’s call for business and government co-operation, IATA looks forward to working with governments in the ICAO and the UNFCCC processes to help develop details of a global sectoral approach for aviation and climate change."

The commercial aviation industry has agreed to three sequential targets: 1.5 per cent average annual improvement in fuel efficiency between now and 2020;  carbon-neutral growth by 2020 and a  50 per cent absolute reduction in aviation emissions by 2050 compared with 2005.

“The G8 Summit declaration is absolutely aligned with the aggressive targets that aviation has set. Commercial aviation is the first global industry to commit to a carbon-neutral growth target by 2020. We have a solid track record of meeting our targets.

“In 48 months IATA led a successful campaign that brought electronic ticketing to every corner of the planet. By moving effectively as a united sector, we will achieve our climate change targets as well,” said Bisignani.