*Two-day 2020 CAPA Qatar Aviation, Aeropolitical and Regulatory Summit concludes in Doha on Thursday
Global aviation leaders have stressed the need for the industry to “engage collectively to reduce the level of emissions in the face of climate change” and issued ‘Doha Declaration 2020’ at the end of the two-day 2020 CAPA Qatar Aviation, Aeropolitical and Regulatory Summit in Doha on Thursday.
Doha Declaration of 2020 emphasised that travel and tourism, within a liberal regulatory framework, are essential for global connectivity and socio-economic development. One in 20 new jobs is created in this industry, it pointed out.
“However, in the face of climate change, it is essential for the industry to engage collectively to reduce the level of emissions. The aviation and travel industries recognise there is no single ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution to the environmental challenges the world is confronted by today,” the communiqué said.
To secure environmental sustainability for future generations, it is recommended that urgent action should be taken by airlines, governments and other stakeholders.
Doha Declaration 2020 called upon airlines to work actively with manufacturers and fuel suppliers to explore all avenues for emission reduction, including but not limited to using and developing alternative fuels, and ensuring efficient operational processes.
Airline industry should promote a clear and coherent industry message to assure the public that effective measures are being taken and cooperate with and encourage airports to play an active and integral role in improving operational efficiencies.
Doha Declaration 2020 urged governments around the world to consult actively with industry to complement industry action while minimising the regulatory temptation to impose additional taxes in the form of charges and fees.
“Whenever taxes are imposed, these should be transparently allocated to activities that will serve to reduce the industry’s impact on the environment,” it said.
Governments should help achieve a reduction in carbon emissions by improving the effectiveness of air traffic management. Urgent steps should be made in every jurisdiction to achieve rapid improvements in that direction.
Doha Declaration 2020 called upon other stakeholders to ensure Travellers are provided with clear, reputable, and globally-acceptable means of off-setting their carbon footprint.
It said leading education institutions together with the aviation industry should work to define and develop appropriate data and skills – both technical and non-technical – with the ultimate goal to support the development of a strong and effective cohort of aviation environment professionals, and promote equal accessibility to leadership positions.
Commenting on the Doha Declaration 2020, CAPA – Centre for Aviation Chairman Emeritus, Peter Harbison said:
“Now is a critical time for our global industry. The Doha Declaration continues to evolve based on the state of liberalisation in the aviation industry. This insight is driven by the discussion during the CAPA Qatar Aviation, Aeropolitical and Regulation Summit, which demonstrates just how important it is to have platforms for open discussion with global aviation leaders, to help remove barriers to progress and drive the industry towards an open marketplace.”
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, HE Akbar al-Baker said,
“I wholeheartedly endorse the second iteration of the Doha Declaration. The Doha Declaration is a reflection of the last two days of productive discussions and reflects the need for all stakeholders in the aviation industry to work together to develop the solutions for today’s and tomorrow’s challenges”.
Supported by Qatar Airways, the 2020 CAPA Qatar Aviation, Aeropolitical and Regulatory Summit provided a pivotal platform to continue the discussion on open skies, aviation access and regulation among the most influential and esteemed leaders in the industry.
With more 280 industry leaders in attendance, including a lineup of high-profile speakers that guided the premier discourse on open skies, aviation access, regulation and sustainability.
Speakers included Qatar Airways Group CEO HE Akbar al-Baker; IATA director general & CEO, Alexandre de Juniac; IAG CEO, Willie Walsh; RwandAir CEO, Yvonne Manzi Makolo; European Commission director general (Mobility and Transport) Henrik Hololei; African Airlines Association (AFRAA) secretary general, Abderahmane Berthé; European Parliament coordinator (Transport and Tourism) José Ramón Bauzá Díaz; and AACO secretary general, Abdul Wahab Teffaha.
They were also joined by a number of other executives from airports, government, industry bodies, academics and other industry leaders.