Staying the course in aviation sustainability – a reflection on 2025
As the year draws to a close, I find myself returning to one simple thought – the aviation industry doesn’t get the luxury of “easy years”, and 2025 certainly wasn’t one. We have navigated geopolitical tensions, shifting economic signals, and an unpredictable sustainability conversation that has felt more polarised than constructive. When asked to consider key moments from the year, my initial reaction was what highlights?
And yet…
Steadfast commitment to longer term goals
In reflecting on conversations with customers what stands out is not the noise, but the steadfastness of aviation professionals committed to the longer term play. A key highlight for the PACE team was our Banking Workshop in London in April, kindly hosted by SMBC Bank. Over the course of the event it was clear that when you put the right people together, the conversation moves quickly to practical decision-making. We saw a collective willingness to engage with the “how”, from how do we manage risk without slowing the industry’s ability to connect people and economies to how do we agree on the key metrics for aviation’s emissions that are credible and consistent? Participants workshopped new types of instruments for financing and leasing structures that reward progress in sustainability, rather than depend on ultimate perfection. My overall takeaway was a commitment to ensuring that sustainability remains a strategic priority even when changes in regulation mean it is not currently front-page news.
Contradiction of reduced visibility increasing responsibility
While previous years had been defined by a strong regulatory reporting drumbeat, 2025 felt different as the policy landscape evolved. For many organisations in aviation finance the changes meant that focus shifted from what are we required to disclose to what is it that we actually want to
do? And for some, to how do we then prove we did it? Omnibus captured the landscape shift perfectly. It was a reminder that when frameworks simplify, timelines shift, or reporting requirements change, the temptation will always be to pause. However, a huge highlight for PACE has been witnessing how our existing customer base have remained determined, in many cases increasing the profile of sustainability action. This really matters, because the underlying reality hasn’t changed and climate risk remains a business risk.
Resilience in the market, realism in the approach
Throughout 2025 we saw market resilience where key stakeholders continued to invest time and attention in sustainability. Banks continued to refine how climate factors shape risk appetite and portfolio strategy. Lessors leaned further into understanding fleet-level emissions exposure and transition pathways. Insurers increasingly asked sharper questions about climate-related operational risk and long-term asset profiles. Airports remained focused on feasible, staged progress—balancing near-term operational realities with the direction of travel the world is demanding. If there is one message we want to share with you at the end of this year, it’s this: we see your commitment, and we don’t take it for granted.
Changes in how you are using the data
An interesting reflection this year came from something simple: how our existing customers have been using the platform. This was particularly clear in PACE Alerts, where concerns over sanctioned territory breaches and aircraft on ground (AOG) saw a surge in the use of alerts functionality, from individual aircraft to portfolio to airline fleet. In a year where headlines shifted and attention splintered, this kind of disciplined monitoring is exactly what serious sustainability looks like. It’s practical. It’s continuous. And it’s focused on decision usefulness—not box-ticking.
Forward-looking pathways we are carrying into 2026
Looking ahead to 2026 we have a very clear focus across the team which we call “three key things”, in this case the three key things PACE will deliver to help our customers in aviation.
1. Managing with confidence — supporting the individuals in sustainability, from ESG practitioners to Aviation financiers that form our user base, to turn their carbon insights into operational and financial decision-making support
2. Building momentum — supporting realistic transition pathways that acknowledge constraints while still pushing progress
3. Being a catalyst for change – continuously improving all aspects of our emissions measurement, metrics visibility, data integrity and assurance to support professionals driving change in the industry
In signing off just a note to say thank you for your continuing partnership, trust and commitment. When we look back on 2025 we will be reminded that sustainability was never a trend to follow but a journey on which to lead. At PACE we are grateful to be on that journey with you.
 | David Lowe |
