ICAO Presses Ahead With Decarbonization Funding Platform

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is proceeding with creation of a new platform designed to connect aviation sustainability projects with investors.

Secretary-general Juan Carlos Salazar signed a letter of intent to set up the ICAO Finvest Hub at its Global Implementation Support Symposium in Abu Dhabi Feb. 12, alongside representatives from Airbus, Boeing and specialist organizations involved in decarbonization projects.

The hub will connect projects contributing to the decarbonization of international aviation with potential public and private investors.

It will also create pathways for the funding of projects contributing to decarbonization, prioritize support to developing countries facing particular aviation decarbonization challenges, and engage with governments, financial institutions, and private sector stakeholders to find new and additional funding for these projects.

Among the hub’s targets will be meeting the urgent need to scale up sustainable aviation fuel production and deployment.

“The success of aviation’s environmental transition depends on strong partnerships and accessible funding, particularly for developing states,” ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano said. “The establishment of the Finvest Hub exemplifies the power of international cooperation in addressing our shared environmental responsibilities. Through this platform, we are acting on our commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, while implementing the Global Framework for Sustainable Aviation Fuels adopted in Dubai.”

Salazar said the Finvest Hub introduces access to new financial mechanisms specifically designed for aviation sustainability projects.

“By connecting technical expertise with innovative financing solutions, we’re creating practical pathways to increase production of sustainable aviation fuels and other cleaner energy sources,” he said. “These projects will serve as engines of economic growth while advancing environmental protection across our member states.”

The initiative emphasizes support for developing countries through targeted technical assistance, capacity building and guidance on establishing legal and policy frameworks that attract sustainable aviation investments.