Airlines industry acknowledges its green energy agenda will result in higher ticket prices

Passengers will face higher ticket costs as the airline industry works toward its goal of net zero emissions by 2050, an industry trade association said Tuesday. 

"You cannot expect an industry making on average $1 profit per customer to absorb the increases we’ve seen," International Air Transport Association Director General Willie Walsh said Tuesday, according to Reuters.

"Going forward as we see increases in carbon costs ... there has to be an impact on ticket prices as the industry transitions to net zero," said Walsh, whose organization represents more than 300 major international airlines. "The airlines cannot absorb increased costs."

Walsh called for Europe to produce more sustainable aviation fuel while praising the United States for increasing output of the greener fuel.

Association members passed a resolution in October 2021 agreeing to commit to net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Walsh celebrated the resolution at that time, saying it "will ensure the freedom of future generations to sustainably explore, learn, trade, build markets, appreciate cultures and connect with people the world over."

Plane ticket prices have already increased due to higher fossil-based jet fuel costs. Environmental activists argue that more expensive air travel tickets will curb traffic, causing lower emissions.