Aircraft Industry Embraces Continuous Descent Operations in Pursuit of Zero Emissions by 2050

In August 2025, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) published a comprehensive guide on the development of Carbon Dioxide Removals (CDR) as a solution for residual emissions in the global air transport industry.

The guide, developed with input from direct air capture (DAC) specialist Climeworks, provides clarity on how CDR differs from other mitigation tools, both technically and from a policy standpoint. It highlights the role of CDR technologies, including DAC and bio-based solutions, in removing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and supporting sustainable aviation fuel production.

One key player in this field is NASH, a German company active in DAC technology development. They produce tailored systems that extract CO2 directly from ambient air, a crucial aspect of CDR solutions contributing to sustainable aviation efforts.

However, despite its potential, CDR remains in the early stages of commercialization and faces questions about scalability, regulatory alignment, and cost-effectiveness. Leila Conners, film director, asserts that CDR can scale if sufficient funding is available.

The report presented in the guide provides data showing a general upward trend in market activity for CDR. It also explains how CDR credits are created, certified, and traded within the CDR ecosystem, which involves airlines, technology providers, regulators, financiers, and carbon marketplaces.

Collaboration among these key stakeholders is crucial for overcoming current barriers and realizing new opportunities in the CDR market. The continued growth of the CDR market requires coordinated support from across the aviation value chain.

Notably, the report does not provide specific details about the cost-effectiveness of CDR technologies or discuss any timeline for achieving widespread commercialization. It is essential for further research and development to address these issues and ensure the long-term viability of CDR as a sustainable solution for the aviation industry.

Aircraft Industry Embraces Continuous Descent Operations in Pursuit of Zero Emissions by 2050