Jet Zero Council — [Mrs Maria Miller in the Chair]

Agreed with the need for sustainable aviation fuels, additional Government investment such as £25 million for Whittle laboratory construction next year, an airline scrappage scheme, international collaboration on sustainable aviation fuels, reconsideration of air passenger duty based on aircraft emissions efficiency, and support for regional airports. Called for action to be consistent with net zero targets including decarbonising aviation by 2050. What about the £500 million ask from the industry to get various plans up and running?

He welcomed the launch of the Jet Zero Council and highlighted the importance of tackling climate change in aviation. He mentioned that domestic aviation emissions are already included in the net zero target by 2050, but suggested including international aviation emissions as well to put pressure on the sector. Browne also advocated for robust nature-based carbon offsets, sustainable aviation fuel development, and a tax system reflecting plane efficiency. Acknowledged the positive and forward-looking approach towards Jet Zero Council, supporting its ambition to lead global efforts on sustainable aviation.

Ms. McKinnell discussed the aviation industry's recovery from the pandemic, highlighting the importance of support for Newcastle airport and other UK airports. She criticized the Government's approach to the crisis and called for specific measures such as 12 months of business rate relief and more effective testing policies. She also emphasized the need for international cooperation on sustainable fuels and urged the Minister to address concerns about skills retention in the aviation sector.

Jim Shannon highlighted the importance of the Jet Zero Council for his constituency, which includes numerous aerospace industries. He commended Sustainable Aviation's efforts and their commitment to reducing CO2 emissions while accommodating passenger growth. Shannon also discussed the need for £500 million in Government funding over the spending review period, including £429 million in loan guarantees and £50 million in grants to support sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) commercialisation and R&D.

The Member stressed the importance of considering both job preservation and decarbonisation in the aviation sector during the pandemic. She highlighted France's approach to conditional bailouts for Air France, focusing on fleet renewal and carbon reduction targets. She called for a similar UK strategy that links financial support with environmental goals.

Mr Graham praised the importance of jet zero for the UK's economic strategy, highlighting the government and industry commitments to research and development. He mentioned a project in Gloucestershire between Electroflight and Rolls-Royce aiming to create the world's first electric aviation engine, which will impact Airbus sub-contractors across the country and open up opportunities in Asia. On nuclear power, does the hon. Gentleman agree that one of the crucial things about the electrification of short-haul flights is that we will need more electricity? In that context it is important to replace our nuclear power stations, to generate that electricity. Stressed the economic benefits of succeeding in decarbonising aviation, highlighting potential market value and job creation from technological advancements.

Paid tribute to Sustainable Aviation for its work in driving the aviation sector towards sustainable aviation. Emphasised the UK's potential to lead globally in clean flight innovation, supporting the Prime Minister's vision of the first zero-emission transatlantic flight. Highlighted regional airports' importance and called on the Government to provide more support to help them survive and thrive through the current crisis. Reiterated UK's position as a leader in setting ambitious climate goals, particularly through the Jet Zero Council's initiatives for zero-emission flight.