ICAO agreement on new aircraft standards for fuel efficiency and noise levels

The European Commission welcomed the landmark decision reached at the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Committee for Aviation Environmental Protection. The agreement establishes new binding standards for aircraft fuel efficiency, effective from December 31, 2031, and noise levels for new aircraft starting January 1, 2029. Aircraft seeking certification after these dates must meet global CO2 standards, achieving a minimum 10% reduction in fuel consumption compared to current models. This agreement signifies a substantial commitment to reaching net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050 and improving air quality around airports.