Who pays for greener flying? IATA says airlines cannot bear the burden alone

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has stated that airlines cannot bear the financial burden of decarbonisation alone, according to comments made by the organisation's Asia-Pacific head of sustainability. Kelvin Lee told Channel NewsAsia that the industry requires shared responsibility across multiple stakeholders to achieve aviation's environmental goals.

Lee emphasised that airlines already operate with minimal profit margins, suggesting that the costs associated with transitioning to greener flying practices would be unsustainable if borne solely by the aviation sector. His remarks underscore the financial pressures facing airlines as they work toward reducing their carbon footprint.

The statement reflects broader industry concerns about the economic feasibility of aviation decarbonisation. IATA's position indicates that stakeholders beyond airlines—potentially including governments, fuel producers, aircraft manufacturers, and passengers—must contribute to funding and supporting the transition toward more sustainable aviation practices.