Aviation is an essential driver of Egypt’s economy, supporting tourism, trade, and regional connectivity. However, the sector’s environmental impact, especially its greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollution, poses a growing challenge. As the global focus on climate change intensifies, countries like the United Kingdom (UK) and European Union (EU) members are leading in the regulations of aviation emissions, setting quite ambitious goals for the sector’s decarbonization. Egypt has a unique opportunity to not only address these environmental concerns but also position itself as a regional leader in sustainable aviation.
During COP27 in November 2022 based in Sharm El-Sheikh, the Egyptian government emphasized its commitment to addressing climate change and fostering sustainable development. While the focus of COP27 was primarily on broader climate action, it has also highlighted the need for cleaner energy solutions across all sectors, including aviation.
Egypt can and should build on this momentum by developing policies that promote the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), which could play a pivotal role in reducing the aviation sector’s carbon footprint. Egypt’s rich agricultural resources present an opportunity to cultivate feedstocks for SAF production, which could help reduce emissions while boosting the domestic biofuel industry. By exploring SAFs as an alternative to conventional jet fuels, Egypt can work towards a more self-sufficient and sustainable aviation sector.
Furthermore, Egypt could introduce market-based mechanisms to cap aviation emissions, such as emissions trading schemes (ETS) or carbon offset programs. These systems, widely used in the UK and EU, allow companies to buy and sell emissions allowances to meet regulatory targets. Implementing such a system in Egypt could provide a cost-effective way for airlines to reduce their carbon footprints while stimulating the adoption of new technologies and practices.
Egypt’s leadership in hosting COP27 provides a platform to drive forward climate action within its aviation sector. By aligning its aviation policies with international sustainability standards, Egypt has the potential to reduce emissions, enhance energy security, and create new economic opportunities in green industries. The country’s commitment to sustainable aviation can not only contribute to global climate goals but also strengthen its position as a regional leader in climate action and sustainable development.
