Aviation industry aims for big improvement in environmental sustainability by 2020
The
Following a year’s planning, all the
The programme is pledged to achieve a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas (CO²) emissions per passenger/kilometre and an 80% reduction in NOx emissions, and ensure fewer people than today are affected by aircraft noise. This is to be achieved through a combination of technical and operational measures and commercial efficiencies, plus the inclusion of aviation in a European industry emissions trading scheme that is being negotiated.
The technical measures, according to the British Air Transport Association (BATA), include the progressive introduction of next-generation aircraft like the Airbus A350, A380 and Boeing 787 into the fleet mix. Operational measures include airport and air traffic management (ATM) efficiency improvements, including airspace design advances, and more efficient approach, departure, ground movement and turnaround procedures.
The government has welcomed this industry co-operative effort, which so far includes seven airlines, National Air Traffic Services, 25 airports, and 12 manufacturers.
But Gazzard says: “The best that can be said is that this strategy – if it happens – will make things a little less horrible than would otherwise be the case.”
BATA counters that a 50% reduction in unit production of greenhouse gases “is a real stretch target”, and without a programme of industry co-operation would be unachievable.
DAVID LEARMOUNT/LONDON
Source: Flight International