The Forum’s survey results have highlighted several headwinds buffeting aviation’s decarbonization journey, in large part stemming from wider non- aviation-specific trends. Consistency of policy support Executives consulted for the survey voiced concerns around the consistency of political and government support for the sustainability agenda globally. This factor is not aviation-specific, but rather a broader reckoning that other political priorities, namely defence spending and energy affordability, might pose a challenge to the aviation sector’s ability to rely on predictable policy support within and across several jurisdictions. Growing global economic uncertainty Related to the prevailing state of geopolitical turbulence is the challenge of competing business priorities amid growing economic uncertainty. In January 2026, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected global growth of 3.3% for 2026, with global inflation expected to fall below 4%.4 However, despite this relatively positive economic outlook, intractable conflicts and escalating levels of debt require governments to build in fiscal buffers and the private sector to adopt more caution in its investment decisions. This slows the flow of goods, including fuels and feedstocks across markets, and dulls the appetite for the long-term financial and sustainability commitments needed to scale up SAF and other decarbonization technologies. Choice of technology pathways for aviation decarbonization Several respondents expressed concern about the pace at which Europe is deploying e-fuels, despite positive policy developments, a number of projects breaking ground and new investment. To maintain progress and avoid delays in reaching interim milestones, executives called on governments and the private sector to cooperate more closely on finding pragmatic solutions and incentives to reduce – as well as share – the risks of developing SAF plants, especially those using more novel technologies. Achieving sound economics will be key to drive investment in decarbonization projects forward, both for flight and airport operations, particularly amid an uncertain geopolitical environment.1.4 Challenges ahead Global Aviation Sustainability Outlook 2026 11