Airlines meet in Tokyo this week to discuss the industry's production of greenhouse gas emissions. The move comes as British Airways commits to reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in return for £6.5 million ($9.2 million) in state incentives, as part of a bid to meet UK commitments under the Kyoto Protocol.
Although emissions from international airline operations were excluded from the Kyoto treaty, the International Air Transport Association says aviation is not expecting to remain exempted indefinitely. Leading airlines are meeting, IATA says, "to evaluate the strategic political and economic repercussions" of demands for emissions control.
Only around 25 IATA member airlines, led by BA, Japan Air Lines and Northwest Airlines, are taking part in the Tokyo talks, says IATA's environment expert Andreas Hardeman, but being large intercontinental carriers they are influential. IATA has already conducted studies into the possibilities of emissions trading among airlines and with other industries to ensure predicted long-term airline industry growth. Between 2013 and 2018 the Kyoto "second commitment" period may bring stricter emissions curbs.
Airlines escaped Kyoto curbs on international operations because of recognised legal enforcement complexities. But signatories to the accord have power over domestic operations and the airspace component of their own carriers' international flights.
BA says it is "the only airline" taking part in the UK's scheme. The carrier promises to cut emissions by 125,000t up to 2006. If the target is met, the government will pay the airline £1.3 million a year. BA is aiming for more fuel-efficient aircraft and better energy management.
Source: Flight International
