06/11/2024
In Almaty, during ICAO Week in Kazakhstan, a regional seminar titled 'Green Airports' is being held by the ICAO European and North Atlantic Bureau in collaboration with ACI EUROPE.
The event is attended by the Vice Minister of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan Talgat Lastayev, the Regional Director of the ICAO European and North Atlantic Office (EUR/NAT) Nicolas Rallo, Director General of Airports Council International Europe (ACI Europe) Olivier Jankovec, Chairwoman of the Civil Aviation Committee of the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan Saltanat Tompiyeva, Director General of the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan Catalin Radu, along with representatives of international civil aviation organizations, airports from Kazakhstan and Europe, and airlines.
The ICAO Green Airports Regional Seminar provides an opportunity to discuss key issues surrounding the development of low-carbon airports, with a special focus on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and the use of other environmentally friendly energy sources.
In his speech, Vice Minister of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Talgat Lastayev, noted: “Kazakhstan actively supports the ACI ‘Green Airports’ initiative aimed at minimizing aviation’s impact on the environment. Our country meets various international commitments, including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Kyoto Protocol, and Annex 16 to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation. We affirm our commitment to ICAO’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions from international flights by 2050 and are systematically working towards these objectives.”
In his remarks, Nicolas Rallo, the Regional Director of the ICAO European and North Atlantic Office (EUR/NAT), emphasized: «One of the Sustainable Development Goals is to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2060. Last year, we undertook additional commitments at the international level. This is a highly ambitious goal, which makes timely action by all parties involved essential. Climate change is an extremely serious challenge. These efforts are not only crucial steps in addressing environmental concerns but are also closely tied to the broader Sustainable Development Goals. This is particularly important for landlocked countries. All nations must unite in addressing this issue, with aviation serving as a driving force that should lead the way».
Olivier Jankovec, Director General of Airports Council International Europe (ACI Europe), stated: "Aviation has a significant impact on climate change. Airports worldwide are supporting a program to reduce airport emissions, and we are striving to lessen our carbon footprint through a wide range of measures. However, numerous challenges remain. As we gain increased access to clean energy and safer fuels, eco-friendly aviation fuel will take a leading role. We see some countries already setting the pace, but I would like all Central Asian countries to join and fully align with the SAF policy." (SAF – Sustainable Aviation Fuel).
Saltanat Tompiyeva, Chairwoman of the Civil Aviation Committee of the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan, stressed: “The Green Airports initiative is crucial for the sustainable development of the aviation sector. It is focused on reducing the environmental footprint of airports, which is especially vital in the face of climate change. Transitioning to cleaner technologies, optimizing resource use, and implementing renewable energy sources can significantly reduce the carbon footprint.”
Catalin Radu, Director General of the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan, added: “Kazakhstan’s aviation authorities reaffirm their commitment to the global community’s shared goal of addressing challenges facing the aviation industry. ‘Green’ airports, the use of eco-friendly aviation fuel, and renewable energy sources define our path towards more sustainable development.”
In support of initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of civil aviation, the Republic of Kazakhstan has committed to a number of obligations by ratifying international agreements such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Kyoto Protocol, the Paris Agreement, Annex 16 to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation, among others. Additionally, at the 41st ICAO Assembly in 2022, the ICAO Council urged countries to adopt the ICAO Long-Term Aspirational Goal for CO2 emissions reduction in international aviation (Doc 10178 - LTAG ICAO). As an ICAO member state, the Republic of Kazakhstan supports this document and considers it essential to hold such events to build national capacity and facilitate knowledge exchange with other countries and organizations.
The seminar’s goal is to raise awareness on topics related to clean energy sources for aviation, sustainable infrastructure, operational activities available in the regions to facilitate the energy transition in airports, as well as adaptation measures to enhance airport resilience to climate change.