Foreword by the International Civil Aviation Organization Aviation stands at a decisive moment. With passenger and cargo volumes continuing to rise, the sector must sustain growth while accelerating its transition towards net-zero carbon emissions. In this context, the Global Aviation Sustainability Outlook 2026 offers a timely and strategic contribution by connecting long-term ambition with practical delivery. The strength of this report lies in its emphasis on implementation. It underscores that sustainable aviation is not solely a technological challenge, but a system-wide transformation requiring policy coherence, market certainty, infrastructure readiness and sustained public-private collaboration. As climate and economic pressures intensify, structured dialogue across sectors remains essential to maintain progress towards shared climate objectives. In 2025, ICAO’s 42nd Session of the Assembly reaffirmed the sector’s collective commitment to the long-term global aspirational goal (LTAG) of net- zero carbon emissions by 2050. The priority now is execution. Achieving this goal will require the rapid scale-up of cleaner aviation energy, major investment in new supply chains, and globally aligned regulatory frameworks that provide confidence to markets and investors. Through the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation initiative (CORSIA) and its sustainability and life- cycle emissions criteria, ICAO has established a foundation for such international alignment.It is equally critical to ensure that all regions can participate in this transition. ICAO’s Assistance, Capacity-building and Training (ACT) programmes and the Finvest Hub are supporting states in translating commitments into bankable projects, and bridging policy ambition with implementation and finance. In parallel, ICAO is strengthening its work on climate resilience, recognizing that mitigation and adaptation must advance together to safeguard the future of international air transport. This report reinforces a central reality: the path to net-zero aviation will be shaped not by any single actor, but through coordinated action among governments, industry and finance. By presenting both opportunities and risks associated with the clean energy transition, the Global Aviation Sustainability Outlook 2026 serves as a practical reference for decision-makers navigating this transformation. As the window for climate action narrows, ICAO welcomes this contribution from the World Economic Forum and its aviation communities. Through sustained cooperation and clear global frameworks, we can convert ambition into investment and investment into lasting impact for a resilient and sustainable aviation sector.Juan Carlos Salazar Secretary General, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Global Aviation Sustainability Outlook 2026 March 2026 Global Aviation Sustainability Outlook 2026 4