Although the aviation sector is "in the midst of the deepest shock in its history" with up to 5 million losing their jobs by yearend, it's sticking to its green goal of slashing CO2 emissions in half by 2050.

Long-term climate action should be a priority alongside economic recovery in the coming years, industry leaders agreed during the recent Global Sustainable Aviation Forum in Geneva, Switzerland.

"As we plan for the recovery of air connectivity, we also must prioritise our environmental progress," Executive Director of the cross-industry Air Transport Action Group, Michael Gill, maintained.

With the right help from governments, the energy sector and technologists, we expect that global aviation will be able to hit net zero emissions a decade or so later, he elaborated.

Some parts of the world will be able to meet this point earlier and a number of individual companies have already set goals along these lines.

This requires a transition in the industry's energy source from fossil fuel to sustainable aviation fuel, the acceleration of research and development of electric, hybrid and potentially hydrogen aircraft. It will also require a commitment to collaboration going even beyond current levels.

"We have the next decade to set the scene for sustainable global connectivity for the next 30-40 years,” according to Gill.

“The recovery of the aviation industry will be a key driver of the global economic recovery. To ensure that aviation can continue to provide the economic and social benefits, we should pursue green recovery," acquiesced Director General of Airports Council International, Luis Felipe de Oliveira.

While “COVID-19 has devastated the aviation industry, we’re committed to pushing ourselves, our partners, and governments to achieve our carbon targets in a green recovery," pledged Alexandre de Juniac, Director General and CEO of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

However, "This is not the time for more environmental taxes that punish people for reconnecting with family or who contribute to economic recovery with business travel," he cautioned.

"For aviation, the keys to combatting climate change remain investments in carbon offsetting, sustainable fuels, and radical green technologies.”