Airlines must take a more positive approach to the environmental debate, says European Commission official
Sun 28 Sept 2008 - Peter Bombay, a senior official from the European Commission's Air Transport Unit, said airlines were being seen as in denial over their environmental responsibilities. He called on the European aviation sector to make the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) a success and work closer with the Commission on helping to curb the sector's emissions. Airlines were urged to lobby their governments over the Single European Sky project as a number Member States, he said, were resisting moves towards an integrated European ATM system. Read more ...
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Boeing claims significant fuel and emissions savings for its new 777 Performance Improvement Package
Fri 26 Sept 2008 - Boeing has so far signed up ten airlines for its new 777 Performance Improvement Package (PIP), scheduled for an April 2009 introduction into service. These airlines have combined 777 fleets totalling 170 aircraft and Boeing claims that the resulting one percent fuel efficiency gain will eliminate over 1,360 tonnes of CO2 emissions per airplane per year and reduce annual fuel spending per aircraft by about $200,000, assuming crude oil prices at $100 per barrel. Read more ...
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Heathrow expansion consultation process ends amid environmental protests
Fri 28 Feb 2008 - The UK Government's public consultation on the proposed expansion of Heathrow Airport ended on Wednesday amid accusations that it was a "sham" and coincided with high profile protests by activists at the airport and Parliament. The plans to add a sixth terminal and a third runway have met with strong opposition from campaign groups, local councils and politicians from all parties. Read more ...
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IATA Director General calls for environmental leadership from Asia's aviation industry
Tue 26 Feb 2008 - Speaking at the Greener Skies for Asia conference in Hong Kong, IATA's Director General, Giovanni Bisignani, called on Asia to play a leadership role in driving the aviation industry towards carbon neutral growth leading to a zero-emission industry. He also warned Asia to avoid the mistakes made in Europe over ineffective communication on green issues with governments and the general public. Read more ...
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Los Angeles World Airports develops guidelines for sustainable airport planning, design and construction
Fri 26 Sept 2008 - Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) has published a 288-page workbook, called Sustainable Airport Planning, Design and Construction Guidelines, which will be used to integrate sustainable concepts and practices at its four airports. The guidelines combine newly-created, airport-specific sustainability performance standards with existing standards, guidelines and tools that have been modified for applicability to airport projects. Read more ...
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Biofuelled Virgin Boeing 747 takes to the skies on pioneering first flight
Sun 24 Feb 2008 - A Virgin Atlantic four-engined B747 today flew from London Heathrow to Amsterdam Schiphol with one engine filled with a biofuel blend composed of babassu oil and coconut oil. The event, covered by the world's media, was the first inflight use of biofuel. Read more ...
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Eurocontrol and ACI Europe join forces to ease airport congestion and reduce aircraft emissions
Fri 31 Oct 2008 - Eurocontrol, the organization responsible for European air safety and air traffic management harmonization, and ACI Europe, represents airport operators, have signed a cooperative agreement which is aimed at enhancing the capacity of airport infrastructure across Europe and optimizing operations. It follows a forecast that air services will double by 2030 but the lack of sufficient airport capacity will result in severe congestion and full saturation at many European airports. Read more ...
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UK Government wants aviation excluded from EU renewable energy target, reports BBC
Fri 26 Sept 2008 - According to documents seen by BBC News, the UK Government is lobbying the European Commission for aviation to be excluded from a target to have 20 percent of Europe's energy from renewable sources - which includes fuel as well as electricity - by 2020. The government ministry responsible, the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR), says it is pointless holding aviation to a legally binding target because of uncertainty over biofuels for planes. Read more ...
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Biofuels will be in commercial aviation use within three to five years, believes Boeing
Fri 31 Oct 2008 - Boeing's Director of Environmental Strategy, Darrin Morgan, told The Guardian newspaper that biofuels will be approved for commercial use by airlines within three to five years, sooner than previously thought possible. The biggest barrier to mass use of biofuels, he said, is the availability of enough biomass material to satisfy industry needs. Meanwhile, the Boeing-led Algal Biomass Organization (ABO) held its annual Algae Biomass Summit in Seattle last week, featuring presentations focusing on the role of algae in addressing growing global energy needs. Read more ...
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Carbon offset service and information portal on air travel GHG emissions takes off
Thu 25 Sept 2008 – A new Australian-based air travel and environment information portal and carbon offset service, called My Clean Sky, has been launched. Its aim is to educate the public about aviation greenhouse gas emissions, provide a sophisticated emissions calculator and offer passengers a transparent carbon offset service. Read more ...
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Airbus completes first inflight testing of an emission-free fuel cell system
Wed 20 Feb 2008 - Airbus has successfully tested a fuel cell system in flight as part of an ongoing research project to evaluate the potential use and environmental benefits of fuel cell technology and zero emissions power generation in civil aviation. Read more ...
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Industry, airlines and environmental organizations join forces to form sustainable aviation fuels group
Thu 25 Sept 2008 - Boeing, Honeywell's fuel processing technology subsidiary UOP and nine airlines have set up the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group to accelerate the development and commercialization of sustainable new aviation biofuels. Two environmental organizations, WWF and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), have agreed to provide support and advice. The initiative, says the group, makes commercial aviation the first global transportation sector to voluntarily drive sustainability practices into its fuel supply chain. Read more ...
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US turns up the heat on Europe's Emissions Trading Scheme with diplomatic and industry objections
Thu 30 Oct 2008 - The US Ambassador to the European Union has today sent a letter to the European Commission reiterating US concerns over the inclusion of international civil aviation in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). The US threatens to take "appropriate measures" under international law if the EU "insists on taking unilateral action" over the issue. In a speech today in Brussels, James C. May, the President and CEO of the Air Transport Association of America (ATA), which represents the bulk of US airlines, said the ETS was contrary to international law and a bad policy. Read more ...
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UK Government announces Code of Best Practice for consumer carbon offset schemes
Wed 20 Feb 2008 - Environment Secretary Hilary Benn has announced the final structure of a Code of Best Practice for the consumer voluntary carbon offset market. Accreditation procedures are still to be worked out with the sector and a quality mark is currently being developed for use when the first products are accredited later this year. Read more ...
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UK Government reverses earlier decision not to include aviation emissions in Climate Change Bill
Thu 30 Oct 2008 - Facing a rebellion from MPs within its own party and anger from environmentalists, the UK Government has backed down on an earlier decision to exclude aviation and shipping carbon emissions from its ambitious legally-binding commitment to reduce greenhouse gases by 80 percent by 2050. Prime Minster Gordon Brown has also told MPs that a final verdict on a third runway at Heathrow "would be taken only after full consideration of the environmental implications", fuelling speculation that the Government was getting cold feet over its support for the project. Read more ...
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UK Government set to sanction Heathrow expansion just as London's mayor proposes a replacement airport
Thu 25 Sept 2008 - According to The Times newspaper, the UK Government has already decided to press ahead with controversial proposals to expand the capacity of London's Heathrow Airport, despite widespread opposition from environmental pressure groups, local councils and politicians. The disclosure coincides with an announcement from London's mayor that he was commissioning a study to consider the viability of a new 24-hour, four-runway airport in the Thames estuary to the east of the capital to ultimately replace Heathrow. Read more ...
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Ensyn and UOP form joint venture to develop second-generation biomass technology for green jet fuel
Mon 22 Sept 2008 - UOP, a leader in fuel refining process technologies, and Ensyn, a pioneer in biomass to liquid technology, have formed a joint venture to offer technology and equipment to convert second-generation biomass into oil for power generation, heating fuel and eventually for conversion into transportation fuels, including biojet fuel. Read more ...
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European ministers rubber stamp Council and Parliament agreement on aviation's entry into the EU ETS
Mon 27 Oct 2008 - The directive to include aviation into the European Union's Emissions Trading Scheme from 2012 was formally adopted, without discussion, during a meeting of the Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting on Friday (October 24). EU Member States now have 12 months to transpose the directive into national law. Airlines have condemned the move just as the global financial crisis bites and with the European aviation sector already showing signs of a major slowdown. Read more ...
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Pratt & Whitney's eco engine wash service to clean up Singapore Airlines
Wed 20 Feb 2008 - Singapore Airlines has selected Pratt & Whitney Global Service Partners' EcoPower process to wash the airline's entire fleet of passenger and cargo aircraft engines, which will save it many millions of dollars in fuel savings and cut CO2 emissions in the process. Read more ...
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Atlas-blue becomes first African carrier to offer its passengers a carbon offset option
Tue 19 Feb 2008 - Moroccan low-cost airline Atlas-blue has become the first African carrier to offer carbon offsets as an integrated part of its booking platform. The offset program has been developed by Airsavings, a Paris-based supplier of back-end technology to low-cost carriers, and contributions from the scheme will go towards carbon offsetting projects funded by Action Carbone. Read more ...
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Aviation industry polishes up green credentials with a relaunch of its environmental website
Mon 22 Sept 2008 - Enviro.aero, the environmental website of the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), a cross-industry international association representing aviation, aerospace and air navigation companies and organizations, has been relaunched with the aim of encouraging increased dialogue between the industry and the public. The updated website provides more interactivity and audio-visual content, as well as a 'Plane Talking' blog. Read more ...
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Air New Zealand unveils two initiatives that will reduce annual emissions by over 20,000 tonnes
Fri 19 Sept 2008 - Following on from last week's inaugural trans-Pacific test flight conducted under optimum flight planning conditions to reduce journey time, fuel and emissions, Air New Zealand has announced two more initiatives to increase aircraft efficiency, save fuel and reduce CO2 emissions. The first involves retrofitting its five-strong Boeing 767 fleet with blended winglets, the other will see zonal dryers fitted to 42 aircraft that will remove trapped moisture, thereby saving weight and fuel. Read more ...
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IATA joins with Solar Impulse for first solar-powered round-the-world test flight in 2011
Tue 19 Feb 2008 - IATA has become an Institutional Partner of Solar Impulse, an emission-free airplane that aims to fly around the world in 2011 using no fuel and propelled only by solar energy. IATA will provide assistance in obtaining air traffic control clearance to ensure the smooth passage of the flight. Read more ...
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UK Government to provide research and development funding for algae-based transport biofuels
Fri 24 Oct 2008 - The UK Government is to underwrite a publicly-funded initiative to research, develop and then commercialize the use of algae as a second generation biofuel for road and air transport by 2020. The two-phase project, called the Algae Biofuels Challenge, is to be led by the Carbon Trust, an independent company set up by the Government to accelerate a move to a low carbon economy by working with organizations to reduce carbon emissions and develop low carbon technologies. Read more ...
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Copa Airlines claims Latin American first as it launches a voluntary carbon offset service to passengers
Thu 22 Oct 2008 - Panama-based Copa Airlines has added a carbon calculator to its website, allowing passengers to voluntarily offset the carbon emissions of their chosen flights. The offset programme was developed in association with Sustainable Travel International and contributions will be invested in alternative energy projects and reforestation. Still in Central America, Costa Rica's NatureAir, which claims to be the world's first certified carbon neutral airline, has launched a sustainable travel blog. Read more ...
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European Environment Commissioner calls for swift action on Aviation ETS legislation
Fri 15 Feb 2008 - Early adoption by the European Council and Parliament of the European Commission's legislative proposals on climate change can help to ensure the EU meets its Kyoto Protocol targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions, announced Stavros Dimas, the European Evironment Commissioner. Read more ...
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US defence research agency solicits proposals for an environmentally friendly coal-derived military jet fuel
Wed 17 Sept 2008 - The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has announced a research programme to exploit the country's huge coal resources to extract liquid fuel that could satisfy its military JP-8 jet fuel needs for "several thousand years" and reduce its reliance on foreign petroleum-based fuels. Not only is the challenge to produce a fuel that is cost competitive with existing fuels, it must also be environmentally friendly. Read more ...
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European passenger traffic and aircraft movements drop for the first time in six years, reports ACI
Wed 17 Sept 2008 - The overall passenger traffic at 108 reporting European airports decreased by 0.4 percent in July compared with July 2007, according to Airports Council International (ACI) Europe, the first time since August 2002 that a monthly fall has been registered. Overall aircraft movements fell by 0.1 percent in July compared to the previous year. Freight traffic suffered a bigger drop with tonnage falling by 2.9 percent. Read more ...
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Norway outlines measures to achieve zero growth in aviation emissions by 2020
Fri 15 Feb 2008 - Norwegian aviation industry and research bodies have presented a report outlining 50 measures to halt their country's increase in aviation GHG emissions. The aim is to neutralise a potential growth of more than 1 million tonnes of CO2 emissions from all traffic and, due to a lower projected growth in the domestic market, a 10-20 per cent reduction in domestic emissions. Another goal is to reduce GHG emissions from airport operations by 10-20 per cent by 2020. Read more ...
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Qantas A380 takes part in ASPIRE fuel and emissions saving initiative on inaugural trans-Pacific flight
Thu 23 Oct 2008 - A second demonstration flight took place yesterday under the Asia and South Pacific Initiative to Reduce Emissions (ASPIRE) programme which involved the return leg of Qantas' inaugural Airbus A380 service between Australia and the US West Coast. By using optimum air traffic management procedures and the latest technologies, the new aircraft was able to fly from Los Angeles to Melbourne more quickly and efficiently, saving both fuel and emissions. Read more ...
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CAAFI meeting brings progress on a roadmap to address the future viability of alternative jet fuels
Tue 16 Sept 2008 - A two-day summit held last week in Washington by the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI) brought together national and international representatives from the aviation industry, fuel suppliers, research and government agencies to advance commercial aviation closer to implementing commercially viable, environmentally friendly alternative jet fuels. Read more ...
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China to build an average of over seven new airports every year until 2020 to cope with rapid traffic rise
Tue 21 Oct 2008 - Whilst in Europe we fret over the environmental consequences of building a new runway, no such inhibitions are stopping a huge airport infrastructure expansion in China, where passenger traffic has nearly trebled since 2000. As of June this year, there are 155 commercial airports in the country. By 2010, there will be 190 and by 2020 the total is forecast to reach 244 airports, 97 of which will have been constructed during a 15-year period. Read more ...
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USAF B-52 takes off on synthetic fuel test flight |
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FAA names two winners in its 'Excellence in Aviation Research Award'
Thu 14 Feb 2008 - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has presented its 2007 'Excellence in Aviation Research Awards' to Prof. Ian A. Waitz of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), for his expertise on noise and emissions, and the U.S. Air Force B52 Aircraft Fischer-Tropsch Fuels Research Team for their work on synthetic fuels. Read more ...
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Air New Zealand's ASPIRE 1 takes off in pursuit of fuel and emissions savings across the Pacific
Fri 12 Sept 2008 - Air New Zealand flight NZ8, renamed ASPIRE 1, took off from Auckland today for San Francisco on a first test flight operating under optimum flight planning conditions. The journey is expected to result in fuel savings of 4,400 litres and 11 fewer tonnes of CO2 being emitted. The route efficiency gains are the result of the ASPIRE (Asia and South Pacific Initiative to Reduce Emissions) programme in which the airline is partnering with Airways New Zealand, Airservices Australia and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Read more ...
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Carbon Sciences claims its breakthrough technology can transform CO2 emissions into renewable jet fuel
Mon 20 Oct 2008 - California-based Carbon Sciences claims it has achieved a breakthrough in developing a highly scalable biocatalytic process that can be used to transform CO2 emitted from fossil fuel power plants into transportation fuels, including jet fuel. The company believes it will be able to demonstrate the technology within the next several months and has plans to license the process to oil refineries and large CO2 emitters. Read more ...
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UN draft report says CO2 emissions from shipping have overtaken those from aviation
Thu 14 Feb 2008 - The scale of CO2 emissions from shipping is almost three times higher than previously estimated and is nearly twice as much as caused by aviation, according to a leaked UN report seen by the UK's Guardian newspaper. Read more ...
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Aviation biofuels could be in commercial use within seven years, says Boeing
Wed 13 Feb 2008 - At a media briefing in London yesterday, Bill Glover, Boeing's Managing Director, Environmental Strategy, said that second generation biofuels could be used in regular commercial aviation services within five to seven years and, in time, reduce aviation's carbon footprint by as much as 50%. His comments come ahead of the first commercial aircraft test flight using a blended biofuel later this month. Read more ...
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Environmental concerns fail to influence business travel plans, discovers UK survey
Fri 12 Sept 2008 - While many companies may have an environmental policy in place for staff travel, fewer than one percent of business travellers reduced the number of trips in 2007, reports Barclaycard Business in the final edition of its annual Travel Survey. Despite the green aspirations of many of today's businesses, 78 percent of respondents said they are operating without reference to any environmental travel policy and 81 percent stated their company did not audit carbon emissions resulting from travel. Read more ...
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Liberator.aero adds CO2 emissions measurement module to its fuel management programme
Mon 20 Oct 2008 - Dublin-based Liberator.aero has introduced a CO2 emissions measurement module as part of its web-based Liberator Fuel Management Programme in what it describes as a timely response to airlines who are preparing to enter the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. The module will provide an auditable facility to measure CO2 emissions per flight and per 100 passenger kilometres. Read more ...
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Decision by investment house to exclude airline stocks from ethical funds angers IATA
Tue 12 Feb 2008 - Standard Life Investments has announced its ethical funds will no longer invest in airline stocks, following the results of an investor survey. The decision has brought condemnation from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents 240 airlines. Read more ...
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Solazyme claims world first in race to produce algae-based jet fuel that meets the ASTM standard
Fri 12 Sept 2008 - San Francisco-based Solazyme has laid claim to becoming the world's first producer of a microbial-derived jet fuel that meets the 11 most challenging specifications of the ASTM D1655 standard for aviation jet fuel. On key measurement tests for density, thermal oxidative stability, flashpoint, freezing point, distillation and viscosity, Solazyme says its algal-based fuel met the ASTM requirements, thus passing the highest hurdle in successfully developing a commercial and military drop-in jet fuel. Read more ...
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UK's new environment minister to omit aviation emissions from climate change legislation
Fri 17 Oct 2008 - The UK's new Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Ed Miliband, has announced that the Government has accepted the proposal put forward last week by the Climate Change Committee that greenhouse gas emissions should be reduced by 80 percent, instead of the previously proposed 60 percent, by 2050. However, the minister has decided not to include aviation and shipping emissions in the legally binding target. Read more ...
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Air France plans to enter high-speed rail venture with Veolia on routes to London and Amsterdam
Thu 11 Sept 2008 - As the environmental pressure grows on travellers to take the train rather than the plane on short-haul routes, Air France has adopted a "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" approach and is poised to enter a joint venture with the major French transportation services provider Veolia to operate high-speed trains from Paris to destinations such as London and Amsterdam. However, Air France has dampened speculation that an agreement between the two is to be signed next week, saying it is still "examining the possibility". Read more ...
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AirPlus wins CSR award for the carbon offset feature of its corporate travel accounting service
Mon 11 Feb 2008 - AirPlus International has won the Corporate Social Responsibility category at last week's Business Travel Show 2008 Innovation Awards for the carbon offset feature of its AirPlus Company Account, which allows corporations an automated and fully integrated calculation of their climate protection contributions for business flights. Read more ...
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WWF taken to task over its $64,950 per person, 36,800-mile luxury private jet tourist expedition
Thu 16 Oct 2008 - In an article entitled 'Five-star Green Hypocrisy', online publication JunkScience.com has condemned environmental NGO WWF over its promotion of a round-the-world, 25-day journey by luxury private jet to conservation areas on four continents. Using WWF's own carbon calculator, JunkScience estimates the trip in the lavishly fitted Boeing 757 will burn about 100,000 gallons of jet fuel, producing 1,231 tons of CO2, the equivalent of putting 1,560 SUVs on the road over the same period. Read more ...
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Belgian and Irish announcements of new passenger departure taxes lead to airline industry anger
Thu 16 Oct 2008 - Both Belgian and Irish governments announced on Tuesday their intentions to levy departure taxes on airline passengers. Belgium, which is struggling to find up to 2.5 billion euros to balance its 2009 books, is looking to raise 132 million euros from the new tax, although it is being promoted as a measure to benefit the environment through an anticipated reduction in carbon emissions. The Irish tax, which has no such pretensions, is expected to raise 95 million euros in 2009 and 150 million euros in a full year. Read more ...
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Considerable confusion exists amongst airline passengers about carbon offsetting, finds study
Fri 25 May 2008 - Carbon offset schemes aim to compensate for carbon emissions by investing in carbon saving initiatives such as wind farms and reforestation. However, customer uptake of offset services for aviation has been low and questions have been raised over the accuracy of carbon calculators and the efficacy of emissions saving projects. Read more ...
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UK study finds airlines' profits may be affected by the extension of the EU ETS to cover aviation
Fri 8 Feb 2008 - A study prepared for the UK Government's environment and transport ministries shows that airline profits may be affected by the inclusion of aviation into the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, depending on the level of free allocation of allowances. Read more ...
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UK's environment ministry opens consultation on airport action plans to address aircraft noise
Wed 10 Sept 2008 - The UK's Environment Minister, Jonathan Shaw, has called for views on how noise from English airports can be managed effectively and issued for comment draft guidance for action plans that airport operators must draw up on measures they will take to manage and, where appropriate, reduce the level of noise impact on local communities. This follows on from an EU directive dating back to 2002. Read more ...
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Christchurch becomes first airport in Southern Hemisphere to achieve carbon neutral status
Fri 8 Feb 2008 - New Zealand's Christchurch International Airport has received carbonNZero certification following a detailed measurement and analysis process. The certification procedure has seen the airport company measuring, managing, reducing and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions arising from its operational business activities. Read more ...
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Cologne Bonn Airport installs carbon counters for passengers to offset their flight CO2 emissions
Thu 16 Oct 2008 - Cologne Bonn Airport has teamed with Swiss-based international carbon offset provider myclimate in a 50,000 euro ($67,000) venture to set up electronic terminals in the departure lounges of both terminals, which allow passengers to offset the carbon emissions of their flights. The voluntary donations will be used towards funding clean power generation projects in India. Read more ...
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IATA, CANSO and Eurocontrol commit to an efficiency plan to reduce fuel consumption and emissions
Tue 9 Sept 2008 - The International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO) and Eurocontrol have signed a five-point Flight Efficiency Plan that will implement short-term measures to reduce annual fuel consumption in European airspace by 470,000 tonnes, saving an estimated 1.55 million tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. Airlines expect to trim annual total fuel costs by around 390 million euros. Read more ...
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Japan's ANA claims to be the first airline to set its own CO2 emissions targets
Fri 23 May 2008 - In its Ecology Plan 2008-2011, ANA has set out goals for the reduction of CO2 emissions by its fleet. Compared to 2006, the airline plans a 4 percent reduction on domestic routes and 10 percent on international flights by the end of 2011. ANA will also run its 'e-flight' programme to bring the environment into focus on domestic flights. Read more ...
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Airbus challenges students to help shape the eco-efficient aircraft industry of the future
Tue 14 Oct 2008 - Commercial aircraft manufacturer Airbus has launched an international competition called 'Fly Your Ideas' for student teams worldwide to submit proposals that will help enhance the aviation sector's eco-efficiency. With a top prize of 30,000 euros ($41,000), the competition is open to college and university students studying a degree, Masters or PhD in any academic discipline, from engineering to marketing, business to science and philosophy to design. Read more ...
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Airbus forecasts increased demand for new eco-efficient airliners to cope with continued passenger and freight growth
Thu 7 Feb 2008 - According to its latest Global Market Forecast, Airbus foresees a demand for some 24,300 new passenger and freighter aircraft between now and 2026, creating an average annual delivery of some 1,215 aircraft - up from the previously estimated 1,130 in the last Forecast. Read more ...
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Boeing targets 25 percent facility-wide reduction of energy use and GHG emissions by 2012
Thu 22 May 2008 - According to its 2008 Environment Report just published, Boeing is aiming to reduce its energy use and GHG emissions in its manufacturing operations by a quarter on a revenue-adjusted basis over the next five years, with similar goals for recycling and hazardous waste. Another target is that all major Boeing manufacturing facilities will achieve certification to the ISO 14001 environmental management system standard by the end of 2008. Read more ...
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Tougher EU rules for travel reservation systems aim to support greener alternatives to short air journeys
Mon 8 Sept 2008 - MEPs have voted to tighten existing rules that govern travel computerized reservation systems (CRSs) used by travel agents across Europe. Primarily designed to encourage more competition so that consumers get a better deal, the revised Code of Conduct also proposes additional requirements that an alternative rail option is shown for air journeys of less than 90 minutes and that systems provide information on CO2 emissions and fuel consumption of flights. Read more ...
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IATA unveils environment display at Schiphol Airport to promote a green aviation image to the public
Tue 14 Oct 2008 - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has opened an environment exhibition stand in one of the main passenger departure lounges at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport as part of an industry commitment to better communicate aviation's environmental activities to the public. It is a joint initiative with the airport's operator, Schiphol Group, as well as Dutch airline KLM and BARIN, which represents airlines operating in the Netherlands. Read more ...
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Panama's Copa Airlines signs agreement with government to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions
Sat 6 Sept 2008 - Panama's Copa Airlines has signed a partnership agreement with the Panamanian Environmental Protection Agency (ANAM) under which the carrier undertakes to comply with environmental regulations and voluntarily reduce and offset greenhouse gas emissions from its ground and air operations. Read more ...
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UK Government's environment adviser says disputed data undermines aviation policy decision-making
Wed 21 May 2008 - A report jointly undertaken by the Sustainable Development Commission (SDC) and the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) concludes that there is such considerable dispute about the environmental, economic and social impact of air transport that a three-year moratorium should take place on any proposed airport expansion until further research and consultation has been carried out. Read more ...
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UK Parliamentary committee criticizes airlines for dragging their feet on environmental schemes
Tue 5 Feb 2008 - A report by the House of Commons Treasury Committee looking into climate change and the implications for policy has accused airlines of "dragging their feet" in cooperating on environmental schemes, and recommends airlines adopt a system of eco-labelling so that consumers can compare the environmental footprint of each airline when purchasing their tickets. Read more ...
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Emissions and fuel consumption by US airlines fell last year compared to 2000, reports ATA
Fri 5 Sept 2008 - US airlines emitted just over 5 million fewer tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2007 than in 2000, according to the 2008 Economic Report just published by the Air Transport Association of America (ATA), whilst carrying 20.4 percent more passenger and cargo traffic. The trade organization, whose airline members make up 90 percent of all US traffic, says this follows a 3 percent drop in fuel consumption achieved through the retirement of older, less fuel-efficient aircraft, winglet retrofitting, reduced aircraft weight and more efficient operational procedures. Read more ...
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EU and the European aeronautics industry join forces to launch 1.6 billion euro Clean Sky research project
Tue 5 Feb 2008 - One of Europe's largest research programmes, with a budget of 1.6 billion euros ($2.34bn), has been formally launched and takes a new generation of greener, more environmentally efficient aircraft a step closer. The Clean Sky Joint Technology Initiative is an EU-wide collaborative private-public partnership of SMEs, universities and research centres as well as leading aeronautical manufacturers. Read more ...
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European Parliament’s environment committee passes tougher aviation ETS proposals from 2013
Mon 13 Oct 2008 - The European Parliament's environment committee (ENVI) last week approved a package of measures to stiffen the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) from 2013 as part of a general review of climate policy by the European Commission. The aviation industry has fared marginally worse than other sectors with MEPs proposing the allocation of free emission allowances be cut from 85 percent in 2012 to 80 percent in 2013 - the others would be entitled to 85 percent in 2013 - with a total phase-out for all industries by 2020. Read more ...
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JetBlue Airways announces a number of environmental initiatives as part of 'Jetting to Green' campaign
Wed 21 May 2008 - US low-cost airline JetBlue Airways has set up an environmental programme that includes a partnership with Carbonfund.org to set up a carbon offset scheme for passengers, operational procedures to minimize the airline's environmental footprint, publishing an environmental and social report, and crewmember neighbourhood volunteer participation. Read more ...
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Air France KLM achieves Super Sector Leader status by both Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes
Fri 5 Sept 2008 - Air France KLM Group has been named 'Super Sector Leader' for sustainability in the wider travel and leisure sector for 2008 and, for the fourth year running, leader in its own airline sector by the two Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes, DJSI World (worldwide) and DJSI STOXX (European-wide). Lufthansa once again qualified for DJSI inclusion and succeeded in improving its corporate sustainability rating. Read more ...
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Boeing challenges college students to create green concepts for Chinese aircraft maintenance facility
Tue 20 May 2008 - Boeing, Boeing Shanghai Aviation Services, Tsinghua University and the University of North Carolina are hosting a competition for college students from select universities in the US and China to create "more environmentally progressive ways" of operating an aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility. Read more ...
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Liverpool John Lennon Airport installs wind turbines and brings green power to the people
Tue 5 Feb 2008 - Liverpool John Lennon Airport believes it is the first commercial airport in the UK to install and operate wind turbines as it explores ways in which to minimize the environmental impact of the airport's operations. Read more ...
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Surveys find conflicting attitudes by the travelling public to climate change and the environment
Fri 10 Oct 2008 - A survey carried out by travel portal Trivago found its European members had different reactions to travel and global warming. Only 16 percent of Britons changed their travel plans due to climate change, with 80 percent of respondents saying they were sceptical about global warming and 40 percent believing it was just media hype. The Italians, in comparison, are less cynical about climate change but also less likely to change their travel habits. Read more ...
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Airbus completes first commercial aircraft test flight using alternative fuel
Fri 1 Feb 2008 - An Airbus A380 test aircraft has flown between Filton, UK and Toulouse, France with one of its four Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines powered by an alternative, or synthetic, gas-to-liquid (GTL) jet fuel. This first ever flight by a commercial aircraft follows similar successful trials by the United States Air Force and just beats a test flight planned later this month by Virgin Atlantic using biofuel on a Boeing 747. Read more ...
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ASU receives $3 million funding towards research and commercialization of algae-based jet biofuels
Thu 4 Sept 2008 - Arizona Technology Enterprises (AzTE), the technology venturing arm of Arizona State University (ASU), has entered into a collaboration agreement with private equity investor Heliae Development and Science Foundation Arizona (SFAz) to develop, produce and sell aviation fuel derived from algae. The project will be based on patented technologies developed by Professors Qiang Hu and Milton Sommerfeld at ASU's Laboratory for Algae Research & Biotechnology in Scottsdale. Read more ...
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EU to press third countries to participate with it in tackling international aviation greenhouse gas emissions
Fri 10 Oct 2008 - At a European Union Council meeting in Luxembourg yesterday, transport ministers called for the European Commission to engage with third countries on international aviation emissions. The Commission was urged to persuade them to adopt equivalent measures to the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, which should be included in the framework of aviation bilateral agreements. The Council, meanwhile, appears to have backtracked on an agreement with the European Parliament that ETS auction revenues must be ring-fenced for environmental measures. Read more ...
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US government takes UK to task over proposed aviation duty, claiming it contravenes Chicago Convention
Fri 16 May 2008 - In a diplomatic note to the UK government, the US has attacked a UK Treasury proposal, justified on environmental grounds, to change the present Air Passenger Duty (APD) to a per-plane aviation duty, says an article in The Sunday Times. A senior US aviation negotiator is said to have met with Treasury officials last week to "press home the argument" that the duty breaches both the Chicago Convention and the recent US-EU Open Skies agreement. Read more ...
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Aviation should be included in UK targets to cut emissions by 80 percent by 2050, advises climate watchdog
Thu 9 Oct 2008 - The Committee on Climate Change, an independent watchdog set up to advise the UK Government on climate change policy, has recommended that a proposed legally binding target to reduce carbon emissions by 60 percent by 2050 should be increased to 80 percent. The committee says aviation and shipping emissions, which had been previously excluded, should now be included in the overall target. Read more ...
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EU States likely to face legal action from the US over ETS regardless of who wins presidential election, says ATA
Thu 4 Sept 2008 - Nancy Young, Vice President Environmental Affairs for the Air Transport Association of America, says she is "confident" the United States will take legal action against EU States over the mandatory inclusion of its transatlantic airlines into the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS), regardless of which of the two presidential candidates forms a new US administration next year. Even though both candidates are broadly in favour of an emissions cap-and-trade scheme, she believes the infringement of US sovereignty would not be tolerated and was in clear breach of Article One of the Chicago Convention. Read more ...
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UK's Treasury launches a consultation on the proposed taxation change from passenger duty to plane duty
Fri 1 Feb - Following the announcement last year of the UK Government's intention to replace Air Passenger Duty with a duty on a per plane basis, the Treasury has launched a consultation process. The Government believes a plane duty is a fairer basis on which to raise revenue from the aviation industry to pay for public services including public transport and the environment, and will also encourage the more efficient use of aircraft. Read more ...
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Authors of study into future trends in aviation noise and emissions respond to "suppression" claim
Fri 16 May 2008 - The Aviation Environment Federation (AEF), a UK NGO, recently publicized a "shock report it had obtained - which the AEF said had been "suppressed" - that forecasted a "huge increase" in the future environmental impact of aviation. The claim has received widespread media attention. Two leading co-authors of the paper, Gregg Fleming and David Lee, have provided their side of the story to GreenAir. Read more ...
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IATA reports strong traffic growth and airline profitability in 2007 but rules out an encore for coming year
Thu 31 Jan 2008 - Full-year figures for 2007 released by IATA show international passenger traffic demand grew 7.4 per cent, up considerably from the 5.9 per cent recorded in 2006, contributing to the first year of airline profitability since 2000. However, the organization predicts growth will slow to 5 per cent in 2008 on the back of dampening demand. Read more ...
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Pacific Northwest commuter airline start-up lays claim to becoming America's first green airline
Fri 29 Aug 2008 - SeaPort Airlines, a new commuter airline offering scheduled flights between Seattle and Portland, has chosen highly fuel-efficient Pilatus PC-12 turboprops for its operations and has also committed to fully offset the emissions of the jet fuel the airline burns through a partnership with the Columbia Land Trust and its Working Forest Initiative that will help preserve forest land in the Pacific Northwest. Read more ...
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The high-altitude effects of non-CO2 greenhouse gases caused by aviation are still uncertain, say scientists
Mon 6 Oct 2008 - Scientists studying the effects of aircraft contrails and non-CO2 greenhouse gas emissions from aviation, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), report that whilst the science is improving they are still unsure of the magnitude of aviation's impact on global warming. There are still major uncertainties that require further research and they advise policy makers to steer clear of basing decisions on so-called 'multipliers'. Read more ...
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Airbus forms partnership to develop sustainable second-generation commercial aviation biofuels
Fri 16 May 2008 - Airbus has teamed with engine manufacturer International Aero Engines, Honeywell Aerospace, UOP and US low-cost airline JetBlue Airways to pursue development in second-generation biofuels. Airbus believes such fuels could provide up to 30 percent of all jet fuel by 2030. Read more ...
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EERC claims first production of a military jet aviation fuel fully created from renewable feedstocks
Sat 4 Oct 2008 - The University of Dakota's Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) has created what it describes as a 100 percent renewable drop-in JP-8 military jet fuel that has successfully met the required specifications. The EERC says it is expecting to produce a large enough sample for engine testing before the end of the year and is exploring partnerships with the private sector to move into full-scale production of the fuel. Read more ...
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Singapore's Changi Airport opens new Butterfly Garden for departing passengers at Terminal 3
Fri 29 Aug 2008 - A 330 square metre garden, designed as a tropical retreat and educational tool, will be home to 1,000 free-roaming butterflies comprising 47 species native to Singapore and Malaysia. Passengers departing or transiting through Changi's Terminal 3 are promised a tranquil haven offering a respite from the stresses of travelling as well as an opportunity to observe the life cycle of butterflies. Read more ...
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US company reports strong airline interest in its Boeing 737 Classic fuel-saving wing modification
Thu 31 Jan 2008 - Reno-based AeroTech Services says it is in negotiations with several major commercial airlines and talking with a number of others regarding its fuel-saving wing modification for the older Boeing 737 Classic Series aircraft. The modification enables airlines to potentially reduce fuel burn and carbon dioxide emissions by up to 4 per cent under typical flight conditions. Read more ...
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Brisbane Airport says its "staggering" growth can be addressed through sustainable development
Wed 30 Jan 2008 - With its Domestic Terminal experiencing an annual seven per cent increase in passenger numbers and major expansion projects planned over the next two years, Brisbane Airport Corporation's CEO, Koen Rooijmans, says the airport's growth would be addressed through sustainable development. Read more ...
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Gander International to become North America's first carbon neutral airport
Thu 28 Aug 2008 - Canada's Gander International Airport Authority (GIAA) and its tenant companies have started implementing a comprehensive carbon emissions reduction programme that involves a number of infrastructure and employee initiatives. The remaining emissions are being offset through the CarbonNeutral Company and will be used to fund green energy projects in Europe and Asia. Read more ...
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Stockholm-Arlanda gets green light for green approaches after successful trials
Tue 13 May 2008 - Following successful trialling of continuous descent approaches at Stockholm-Arlanda Airport, approval has been given for all airlines to use the procedure when landing at the airport. The number of 'green approaches' is expected to increase from 10 to 30 per day, although they will be restricted to off-peak traffic for the time being. Read more ...
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Virgin Galactic and NOAA to explore collaboration on high altitude climate change research and monitoring
Fri 3 Oct 2008 - Virgin Galactic, the ambitious project to take civilians to the edge of space, has signed an agreement with the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to research the effects of climate change at high altitudes. Virgin is currently developing a plane, called WhiteKnightTwo, which will eventually carry the SpaceShipTwo passenger space craft to a height of about 50,000 feet (15km) before launching it. Both will be equipped with sensors and monitoring systems to measure CO2 and other GHGs as they fly through the upper atmosphere. Read more ...
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Athens International Airport receives European green award for energy saving performance
Mon 12 May 2008 - In recognition of energy efficiency savings made in its buildings and facilities, Athens International Airport has been presented with the GreenBuilding Award 2008 by the European Commission. The airport has been implementing energy saving measures since 2003 and joined the EC's GreenBuilding programme in 2006. Read more ...
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Denver International unveils a public-private partnership funded two megawatt solar energy system
Thu 28 Aug 2008 - A two megawatt solar energy system situated on a 7.5 acre (3ha) site just south of the Jeppesen Terminal at Denver International Airport has been dedicated by the city's mayor, the airport's aviation manager and four private companies involved with the project. The system will generate over three million kilowatt hours of electricity per year and enable the airport to reduce its annual carbon emissions by an estimated five million pounds (2,268 tonnes). Read more ...
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VLM says it is a myth that short-haul flights are more environmentally damaging than rail journeys
Fri 3 Oct 2008 - Belgian regional carrier VLM Airlines has waded into the train versus plane debate by publishing a 'fact sheet', entitled Setting the Record Straight, which aims to disprove claims that flying within the UK and on short-haul flights to Europe is more damaging to the environment than taking the train on the same routes. VLM argues that train operators and their supporters are not taking into account the true environmental impact of rail services. Read more ...
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World tourism soars to a record 900 million arrivals in 2007, 52 million more than in 2006
Tue 29 Jan 2008 - The World Tourism Organization, a UN agency, reports that 2007 exceeded expectations for international tourism with arrivals reaching close to 900 million, compared with 800 million just two years ago. Although economic volatility and high oil prices may undermine global confidence, the organization says the sector has a proven resilience and does not expect growth to halt in 2008. Read more ...
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Air France pledges to invest 2 billion euros annually to reduce fuel consumption, carbon emissions and aircraft noise
Mon 28 Jan 2008 - Following a French Environmental Summit meeting, Jean-Cyril Spinetta, Chairman and CEO of the Air France KLM Group, has announced that Air France will invest 2 billion euros (nearly $3 billion) annually until 2020 in meeting environmental targets to reduce fuel consumption, lower CO2 emissions and reduce aircraft noise levels. Read more ...
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Boston Logan becomes the first US airport to use 'green' asphalt on a runway repaving project
Wed 27 Aug 2008 - The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) has committed to a $6.3 million project to mill and repave the outer edges of Runway 4R/22L at Boston Logan International Airport this autumn using a 'warm mix' asphalt that is produced and poured in a manner that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and energy use. If the mix performs as expected, it will be used to repave all of a second runway, 9/27. Read more ...
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Climate protection congress calls for new UN agency to oversee international aviation emissions
Fri 9 May 2008 - A newly formed watchdog of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is proposing that the United Nations establish a new authority to regulate emissions from high-carbon international activities such as aviation and shipping. Read more ...
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Lightweight containers will help reduce airline fuel consumption and reduce emissions, says manufacturer
Thu 2 Oct 2008 - US container manufacturer Nordisk Aviation Products says using its lightweight unit load devices (ULDs) can support carriers that are implementing aircraft weight reduction programmes in order to save fuel and reduce emissions. The company produces two models that it says can provide considerable overall cost savings to airlines, while at the same time minimizing their environmental impact. Read more ...
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Air New Zealand and JAL to trial trans-Pacific flight planning initiatives to reduce fuel and emissions
Wed 27 Aug 2008 - Air New Zealand and Japan's JAL Group have announced they will be trialling separate initiatives that enable more efficient routing of aircraft across the Pacific, saving fuel and therefore emissions. JAL started trials of the User Preferred Route system two weeks ago on flights between Japan and Hawaii, and Air New Zealand will conduct a test flight between Auckland and San Francisco on September 12 as part of the ASPIRE initiative. Meanwhile, Air New Zealand says its biofuel test flight is on course to take place before the end of the year. Read more ...
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Airlines praise environmental benefits of Pratt & Whitney's Geared Turbofan Engine
Fri 9 May 2008 - More than 50 representatives from airlines and leasing companies gathered in Florida earlier this week to review developments of Pratt & Whitney's Geared Turbofan Engine programme, which promises significant fuel burn, emissions and noise reduction advances in next generation engine technology. Read more ...
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Budapest Airport starts programme to install noise insulation in affected local residential properties
Thu 2 Oct 2008 - The operator of Budapest's Ferihegy Airport has started its programme to fit noise insulation to windows in the bedrooms of homes located in the immediate vicinity. In the first phase, around 250 properties in the municipality of Ullo, which are considered to be the most affected by aircraft noise, will have the work carried out and completed before the end of the year, at a cost of around $340,000. Read more ...
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ERA pushes for greater implementation of 'green approaches' at Europe's regional airports
Mon 28 Jan 2008 - The European Regions Airline Association (ERA) plans to work closely with Eurocontrol to promote the implementation of continuous descent approaches (CDAs) at regional airports throughout Europe following its policy endorsement of the beneficial effects on both the environment and flight safety. Read more ...
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Environment leaders warn UK Government over air pollution breaches if Heathrow expansion proceeds
Tue 26 Aug 2008 - According to a report in the Guardian newspaper, Stavros Dimas, the European Commissioner for the environment, says EU targets on air pollution limits will be "significantly" breached if plans to add additional capacity at London's Heathrow Airport get the go-ahead. Lord Smith, the new head of the UK's Environment Agency, has added his concerns in an interview with The Independent, saying the building of a third runway would be a "mistake" because of the increase in pollution and aircraft noise. Read more ...
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European Commission proposes phased increase of emissions permit auctioning for airlines from 2013
Wed 23 Jan - As part of a major overhaul of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, the European Commission has proposed that airlines should have to buy 20 per cent of emission permits from 2013, rising annually to reach 100 per cent by 2020. Read more ...
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European Parliament publishes draft recommendation on second reading of EU ETS aviation directive
Fri 9 May 2008 - The European Parliament's Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety met on Monday (May 5) to discuss its position before the second reading of the EU ETS aviation directive. The Parliament and its co-legislator, the EU Council of Ministers, remain apart on a number of key issues. Read more ...
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Lufthansa announces measures to save paper on its cargo and passenger operations
Thu 2 Oct 2008 - Lufthansa Cargo has despatched its first paperless airfreight shipment on a flight from Frankfurt to Seoul as part of a move by the air cargo industry towards an e-freight era. Meanwhile, Lufthansa's airline passengers can now use mobile boarding passes on all flights from Germany to any European destination, avoiding the need for printing out any travel documents. Lufthansa Systems, the carrier's IT solutions subsidiary, has announced Air Berlin has contracted for its fuel-saving, flight planning system. Read more ...
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ATA tells Congress that Lieberman-Warner Bill would have significant economic repercussions for US airlines
Thu 8 May 2008 - In a submission to the Aviation Subcommittee of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Air Transport Association of America (ATA) President and CEO, James C. May, said the proposed Lieberman-Warner legislation would impose a punitive emissions tax on aviation which would counterproductively hit investment in new technology to further improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Read more ...
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IATA chief urges Australia to challenge Europe over the inclusion of aviation into the EU ETS
Fri 22 Aug 2008 - Speaking to the Australian National Aviation Press Club in Sydney on Wednesday, Giovanni Bisignani, Director General and CEO of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), said Australia had a responsibility to challenge Europe's "unilateral and illegal" move to bring aviation into its Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). He also called on the Australian government to reassess the "blunt" approach of its own domestic ETS proposals, in particular the plan to auction permits. Read more ...
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UK's air traffic control company NATS to target a 10 per cent reduction in aircraft emissions by 2020
Tue 22 Jan 2008 - NATS, the air traffic control (ATC) company responsible for all civilian flights travelling through UK airspace and flights in and out of UK airports, has begun the process of examining the way it manages airspace so it can cut an average 10 per cent of emissions from aircraft under its control by 2020. Read more ...
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Emirates launches a series of new initiatives to further improve environmental operations performance
Fri 15 Aug 2008 - Coinciding with the delivery of its first Airbus A380 superjumbo, Emirates has unveiled a programme, branded Emvironment, which includes the adoption of a new environmental policy for the Group and a global staff awareness campaign, together with internal goals to reduce energy consumption and waste, as well as increase recycling and training. Read more ...
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Stern publishes new report outlining a global plan to combat the growing threat of climate change
Wed 7 May 2008 - British economist Nicholas Stern, now Lord Stern, has published a report that updates his landmark 2006 review of the economic impact of climate change. He says the developed countries will need to commit to GHG reduction targets of at least 80% by 2050 and in an uncomfortable message to developing countries, Stern says that they too will have to commit to setting binding targets of their own by 2020. Read more ...
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US research organization releases two reports into noise issues and land use around airports
Fri 18 Jan 2008 - The Partnership for AiR Transportation Noise and Emissions Reduction (PARTNER), a leading US aviation cooperative research organization headquartered at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), has released two studies over the past month. The first provides new information for ensuring that communities in proximity to airports are minimally affected by aviation-generated low-frequency noise and the other released the results of a three-year study of land use and noise complaint patterns at selected airports. Read more ...
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Asia's travel and tourism leaders gather to discuss the challenge of facing up to climate change
Fri 2 May 2008 - The inaugural Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) CEO Challenge conference took place in Bangkok, Thailand earlier this week. Entitled 'Confronting Climate Change', the region's travel and tourism industry was encouraged to collaborate on a range of environmental initiatives. Read more ...
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British Airways upgrades its carbon offset scheme, offering customers a one-click process
Tue 15 Jan 2008 - British Airways has unveiled a new carbon offset scheme that will provide customers with a user-friendly, one-click process when booking online. The scheme, to be run with Morgan Stanley, will support UN-backed clean energy projects in Brazil and China, and the airline says it will also back research into aviation emissions and invest in Brazilian reforestation projects. Read more ...
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UK says it will not earmark aviation revenues from EU ETS auctioning for environmental measures
Thu 14 Aug 2008 - At a recent closed meeting, officials from the UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the UK Department of Transport told aviation representatives that the UK will not agree to ring-fencing revenues raised from airlines through the auctioning of EU ETS allowances for environmental purposes such as clean aircraft research. This flies in the face of an important provision in last month’s agreement between the European Parliament and the EU Council. Read more ...
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ACI North America announces the winners of its 2008 Environmental Achievement Awards
Thu 14 Aug 2008 - Boston Logan International, Seattle-Tacoma International and Minneapolis-St Paul International airports have each won an Airports Council International - North America (ACI-NA) Environmental Achievement Award for 2008. The awards are given for projects based on environmental benefits, innovation, effective implementation, widespread applicability and cost-effectiveness. Read more ...
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Pressure group uncovers "suppressed" research on long term environmental impact of aviation
Fri 2 May 2008 - The Aviation Environment Federation (AEF) has published details of a 2007 report that predicts the growth in GHG emissions, airport noise and local air pollution between the years 2000 and 2025. The AEF says the study confirms its view that "the rapid growth in aviation globally is set to generate massive environmental damage". Read more ...
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Transat renews its programme to financially support sustainable tourism projects
Mon 14 Jan 2008 - Transat A.T., the Canadian group that includes the airline Air Transat and is one of the largest integrated tourism companies in the world, has renewed its programme launched in 2007 to financially support sustainable tourism projects proposed by communities or not-for-profit organizations in any of the company's 60 destination countries. Read more ...
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Research shows illegally high levels of ozone affect passengers on some US domestic flights
Fri 2 May 2008 - Studies carried out by the University of California found that harmful and illegal levels of ozone are present on some US flights and the research team suggests that ozone converters should be fitted on all aircraft flying domestic routes, reports New Scientist magazine. Breathing ozone can cause headaches and respiratory illness, and has even been linked to cancer. Read more ...
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UN's top climate change scientist says civil aviation must move quickly to improve aircraft energy efficiency
Fri 18 July 2008 - Dr Rajendra Pachauri, Chairman of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), says there is growing evidence that the impact of climate change is far more serious than was ever anticipated and civil aviation must act faster in cutting emissions. He called for more investment in high-speed rail links as an alternative to flying and encouraged the development and use of video conferencing as an alternative to business air travel. Read more ...
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Virgin Atlantic to fly first commercial biofuel flight in February
Mon 14 Jan 2008 - Virgin Atlantic has announced it will fly a General Electric-powered Boeing 747 using biofuel from London Heathrow to Amsterdam in February, earlier than expected. Read more ...
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Airline propagates latest-technology turboprop solution to reducing aviation emissions
Fri 2 May 2008 - Fast-growing Irish regional airline Aer Arann recently invested 180 million euros in a new fleet of ATR 72-500s and by 2009 the aircraft type will make up the entire Aer Arann fleet. The airline highlights that for a journey of less than 600 nautical miles, or 90 minutes flying time, a turboprop uses up to 70 percent less fuel than a similar-sized jet, emits 20 percent less CO2 per passenger-km than newer jets and produces three times less NOx than a car and 40 percent less than a train. Read more ...
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North American airlines urged to steer clear of highly polluting new fuel types
Fri 11 Jan 2008 - The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), a US-based environmental organization of scientists, lawyers and specialists, has called on 15 major US and Canadian airlines to publicly oppose the use of jet fuel made from highly polluting sources and called on them to join a campaign seeking increased investment in cleaner aviation fuels. Read more ...
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Pratt & Whitney Canada to investigate second-generation biofuels for smaller and medium size aero engines
Fri 18 July 2008 - Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) is to lead an aerospace industry and university research project to investigate the potential for powering small and medium size engines by non-food competing second-generation biofuels, possibly derived from jatropha and algae sources. Read more ...
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Civil Aviation Authority reports slowdown in UK air passenger growth since 2005
Fri 11 Jan 2008 - The United Kingdom's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) reports that the annual rate of UK air passenger growth has fallen to around 2 per cent in the last few years, compared to an average since the mid 1970s of about 6 per cent. The CAA points to a recent slowdown in consumer expenditure, competition from railways and the effects of longer journey times due to changes in airport security as causes. There is little evidence that environmental considerations have played a part in changing consumer attitudes to air travel. Read more ...
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FAA Excellence in Research Award goes to PARTNER programme leader Ian Waitz
Fri 18 July 2008 - Dr Ian Waitz, Director of the Partnership for AiR Transportation Noise and Emissions Reduction (PARTNER) has received the Federal Aviation Administration's Excellence in Aviation Research Award for his ongoing, critical research on aviation's impact on the environment. The award is presented to individuals whose research contributions result in a significantly safer, more efficient national airspace system. Read more ...
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Melbourne Airport releases its five-year strategy to shape environmental objectives
Wed 30 Apr 2008 - As part of the lease agreement with the Federal Government and in compliance with The Airports Act, Australia Pacific Airports (Melbourne) (APAM) - the operator of Melbourne Airport - has released its Airport Environment Strategy 2008, which outlines activities that will be undertaken to ensure the long term sustainability of the environment in and around Melbourne Airport. Read more ...
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Airbus becomes a supporter of the Green Wave initiative to promote global biodiversity awareness
Fri 18 July 2008 - Airbus has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to support Green Wave, a worldwide educational project for children and youth. The aircraft manufacturer's initial involvement will be to help raise public awareness of the initiative through a joint global communications campaign. Read more ...
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Boeing UK falls foul once again of advertising standards watchdog over Boeing 787 noise claim
Wed 9 Jan 2008 - The UK's Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has upheld a complaint against Boeing UK over a magazine advertisement claiming that designs to the Boeing 787 airliner will allow it to fly 60% quieter than ever before, which the watchdog says is ambiguous. The ASA is also investigating a complaint made against British Airways' claim that a new third runway at Heathrow would actually reduce CO2 emissions. Read more ...
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UK aviation duty proposals are ill-conceived and should be rescinded, say airlines
Tue 29 Apr 2008 - As the public consultation period ended last Thursday (April 24) on a proposed UK government decision to replace Air Passenger Duty (APD) with a flight-based Aviation Duty, the Board of Airline Representatives in the UK (BAR UK) has called on the Treasury to rescind the tax entirely, calling it "ill-conceived". Read more ...
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More cooperation and better communication is the theme at aviation industry summit on environment
Fri 25 Apr 2008 - It is rare to see so many aviation industry leaders gathered together at one event but the Aviation and Environment Summit in Geneva managed to achieve this feat. Airlines and, by extension, their aircraft and engine suppliers, together with air navigation service providers, are anxious for technological solutions to reduce fuel burn, not only to reduce harmful emissions but also save on spiralling fuel costs. Read more ...
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US and European aerospace industry leaders agree to greater cooperation on ethics and the environment
Fri 18 July 2008 - Following a meeting at the Farnborough International Airshow, CEOs from leading aerospace manufacturers on both sides of the Atlantic have agreed to closer collaboration on ethical business practices as well as efforts to improve aviation’s impact on the environment. Read more ...
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US Environmental Protection Agency pressured by House of Representatives select committee to act on emissions from US aviation
Tue 8 Jan 2008 - The Chairman of the bipartisan Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming has pressed the US Environmental Protection Agency to state whether it is planning to regulate emissions from America’s aviation sector, saying that it was "imperative" to find ways to reduce such emissions. Read more ...
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ATA calls for commitment on alternative jet fuels and releases guiding principles for suppliers
Fri 25 Apr 2008 - In the wake of rising fuel prices, energy security and environmental concerns, the Air Transport Association of America (ATA) has released a set of guiding principles for reducing carbon output, conserving fuel and finding jet fuel alternatives. ATA is also encouraging potential fuel suppliers to work more closely with current research and development initiatives on alternative fuels. Read more ...
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Boeing and Airbus to collaborate on achieving air traffic management efficiency and environmental gains
Thu 24 Apr 2008 - In a rare show of unity, Boeing and Airbus have put aside their rivalry to sign an agreement at the Aviation and Environment Summit in Geneva under which they will work together on helping the aviation sector and governments modernize the world's air transportation management system in order to increase routing efficiency and eliminate traffic congestion. Read more ...
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CFM unveils new next generation turbofan engine that promises 16 percent reduction in CO2 emissions
Mon 14 July 2008 - As the 2008 Farnborough Air Show gets under way, engine manufacturer CFM International (CFM) has formally launched LEAP-X, an entirely new turbofan engine to power future replacements of narrowbody aircraft like the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. CFM claims new technology will reduce fuel burn and CO2 emissions by 16 percent, NOx emissions by 60 percent and noise by between 10-15dB compared to its current CFM56 Tech Insertion engines. Read more ...
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European Parliament throws out ETS revision proposals to tighten the aviation sector's emission allowances
Fri 19 Dec 2008 - The European Parliament voted on Wednesday not to adopt proposed amendments by some MEPs that would have reduced the level of the free allocation of emission allowances incrementally from the start of the next phase of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) in 2013. In 2012, when aviation joins the scheme, the sector is to be allocated 85 percent of the allowances for free. Under the proposals, this would have been reduced in 2013 to 80 percent and then decrease each year in equal amounts, resulting in no free allocation in 2020. Read more ...
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Passenger demand surges ahead as Boeing announces record commercial airplane orders for a single year
Fri 4 Jan 2008 - Announcing traffic results for November, IATA reported year-on-year international passenger demand rose 9.3% for the month, the fastest growth rate recorded in 18 months. In tune with airline industry optimism, the Boeing Company has taken 1,413 net commercial airplane orders during 2007, reaching more than 1,000 orders for an unprecedented third consecutive year, and setting a Boeing record for total orders in a single year. But fears remain for a slowdown in 2008. Read more ...
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Aviation industry environmental body forecasts UK emissions from air traffic will fall to 2000 levels by 2050
Fri 19 Dec 2008 - Sustainable Aviation, the environmental strategy initiative formed by UK airlines, airports, aerospace manufacturers and ATM providers, has published its first report mapping the air transport industry's CO2 emissions to 2050. It concludes that such emissions can return to 2000 levels by 2050, after having reached a peak around 2020, against a background of a threefold increase in passenger numbers forecasted by the UK's Department of Transport assumptions. Read more ...
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Aviation industry joins together in commitment to act on climate change
Thu 24 Apr 2008 - Aviation industry leaders gathered at the Aviation and Environment Summit in Geneva this week to discuss aviation and the environment. The centrepiece was the joint signing of a commitment on climate change action by aircraft and engine makers, together with representatives of trade organizations representing airlines, airports, air navigation service providers and aerospace manufacturers. Read more ...
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FAA launches incentive strategy to spur development of renewable aviation fuels and technologies
Mon 14 July 2008 - US Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters has announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is making a grant to the X PRIZE Foundation to develop a strategy to create monetary incentives for developing renewable aviation fuels and technologies. It is an element of the FAA's NextGen programme to move aviation towards carbon neutral growth whilst doubling the capacity of the US aviation system by 2025. Read more ...
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Schiphol president predicts no passenger growth in 2008, blaming the introduction of an eco tax
Fri 4 Jan 2008 - Gerlach Cerfontaine, President and CEO of Schiphol Group, has said Amsterdam Airport Schiphol will experience little or no growth in passengers or aircraft movements in the coming year due to the introduction on July 1 of an eco tax on passengers. Read more ...
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Alternative aviation jet fuels take a major step forward with agreement on a new standards specification
Thu 18 Dec 2008 – One of the major obstacles towards industry-wide adoption of non-conventional jet fuels has been the issue of certification. A meeting last week in Florida of ASTM International, which oversees the international standards and specifications for jet fuel, secured major progress towards a new framework that will soon lead to a new alternative fuels specification, provisionally called DXXXX, which will sit alongside the current D1655 conventional jet fuel specification. The creation of DXXXX is expected to speed up the approvals process and provide confidence to potential aviation alternative jet fuel producers. Read more ...
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Compromise required as European Parliament negotiates with EU Council over aviation ETS
Mon 21 Apr 2008 - Dr Peter Liese, the German MEP steering the aviation EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) directive through the European Parliament, says that "a lot of work needs to be done" on reaching a compromise agreement with the EU Council before a second reading comes before Parliament in July, but is cautiously optimistic. Read more ...
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Rolls-Royce and British Airways launch alternative fuel ground test programme and invite tenders
Fri 11 July 2008 - Rolls-Royce has partnered with British Airways in a programme that aims to test up to four alternative fuels on a RB211 engine taken from one of the airline's Boeing 747 aircraft. The testing will take place on an indoor test bed at the aero-engine manufacturer's Derby facility. Through a tender process the companies will invite suppliers to offer alternative fuel samples for the trial. Read more ...
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Air France KLM identifies five key sustainability issues as it publishes its 2007-8 CSR report
Fri 11 July 2008 - The Air France KLM Group has published its fourth annual Corporate Social Responsibility Report, which sets out its approach to sustainable development by identifying five key issues and points the way in which the Group intends to address them. Combating climate change and reducing its environmental impact, not only in the air but also on the ground, are seen as the two leading priorities. Read more ...
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EU Council agrees amendments to directive on aviation's inclusion into the EU Emissions Trading Scheme
Fri 18 Apr 2008 - The EU Council, the main decision-making body of the European Union, today agreed a common position on aviation's inclusion into the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and adopted a number of amendments to the original European Commission proposals. These will now be forwarded to its co-legislator, the European Parliament, who is due to have a second reading on the directive before the summer. Read more ...
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Japan Airlines announces that it too will conduct a demonstration biofuel flight in January, the first in Asia
Tue 16 Dec 2008 - Japan Airlines (JAL) has become the latest carrier to announce that it plans to carry out a biofuel-powered demonstration flight. Using a JAL-owned Pratt & Whitney JT9D-powered Boeing 747-300 aircraft, the biofuel flight will be the first in Asia and will test a blend made up of camelina, jatropha and algae. The one-hour demonstration flight out of Tokyo's Haneda Airport is planned for January 30. JAL has been partnered in the project by Pratt & Whitney, the engine manufacturer’s first biofuel flight, Boeing and Honeywell's UOP. Read more ...
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Airbus to fly first second-generation biofuel test flight next year after successful GTL trial
Fri 18 Apr 2008 - Speaking at the 'Future Fuels Aviation' conference in London this week, Sebastian Remy, Head of Business & Program Support Engineering, Airbus, said plans were underway to conduct the first biofuel-powered flight by an Airbus aircraft in 2009. Although preparations are at an early stage, Airbus says it is keen to test a second-generation biofuel. Read more ...
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Avinor promises a green Christmas on flights from the UK to visit the land of Santa Claus
Mon 15 Dec 2008 - Avinor, responsible for Norway's airport and ATC network, has allotted 'green' routes through its airspace on flights from the UK to Rovaniemi, Finland, this Christmas period. At the same time, Avinor will help ensure that flights with seriously ill children on board will be given priority clearance to the home of Santa Claus. With around 47 flights in each direction daily at this time of the year, the reductions in distance travelled will result in CO2 savings of around 15-20 tonnes each day. Read more ...
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Boeing foresees increased global demand for replacement aircraft as airlines seek improved fuel efficiency
Fri 11 July 2008 - Driven by an increasing requirement from airlines to replace older, less efficient aircraft, Boeing forecasts a market for 29,400 new commercial aircraft worth $3.2 trillion over the next two decades. The demand is further driven by Boeing's estimates of an annual growth in global passenger traffic (RPKs) of 5 percent and cargo traffic (RTKs) of 5.8 percent between 2007 and 2027. By 2027, 82 percent of the fleet will be airplanes that do not exist today. Read more ...
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Climate decisions-makers call for clearer policies and more political leadership, reports global survey
Thu 10 July 2008 - A worldwide survey of key climate decision-makers shows strong and consistent views that government leaders need to act quickly and agree on a set of clear, inclusive and long-term policies in order to put climate solutions in place. The survey sought the views of 1,350 professionals in position to make or influence climate-related decisions in their governments, companies or other organizations across 120 countries. Read more ...
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JetBlue Airways to celebrate Earth Day by supporting New York tree planting event
Fri 18 Apr 2008 - US low-cost airline JetBlue Airways is marking Earth Day by hosting environmental volunteer activities as part of its 'One Thing That's Green' initiative. Tomorrow, crew members will join other volunteers in a tree-planting event in New York's East Harlem neighbourhood and on Earth Day itself, April 22, the airline will distribute Green Starter Kits to crew members and customers. Read more ...
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Liverpool John Lennon Airport to trial carbon capture technology that creates biofuel for ground vehicle use
Mon 15 Dec 2008 - UK-based start-up Origo Industries has signed an agreement with Liverpool John Lennon Airport to trial a programme in which its Ecobox system will be used to capture CO2 emissions from within the terminal building and recycle them through a photo-bioreactor (PBR) to create an algae-based biofuel to power some of the airport's ground vehicles and potentially generate electricity. Installation begins in January and Origo hopes the system will provide up to 250 litres of biofuel a day when operations start next summer. Read more ...
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European transport ministers and MEPs reach agreement on Single European Sky II package proposals
Fri 12 Dec 2008 - EU transport ministers reached agreement on Tuesday (December 9) on the technical details of Europe's next-generation air traffic management system, paving the way for shorter flights and reduced CO2 emissions from air traffic. The day before, the European Parliament's Transport Committee accepted a recommendation on the Single European Sky II proposals, which are now likely to be adopted at a plenary first reading in January. Read more ...
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First flight procedure trial promises reduced fuel burn and emissions in oceanic airspace
Thu 17 Apr 2008 - The partners of an Airbus-led project called CRISTAL ITP (In-trail Procedure) have successfully carried out the world's first in-flight demonstration of a flexible new procedure for oceanic airspace that saves fuel and reduces emissions during cruise. Read more ...
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International anger as European Parliament vote to include aviation into EU Emissions Trading Scheme
Thu 10 July 2008 - MEPs on Tuesday unanimously voted to include aviation into the European Union's Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) from 2012, which will affect most airlines flying in and out of Europe. Reaction has been harsh and swift from airline associations in Europe, Asia and the United States, which have called the move illegal and a tax grab. Environmental campaigners say the compromise agreement will have little impact on the sector's growing carbon footprint. Read more ...
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Cosmetics retailing tycoon to fund aviation environmental action group's Stansted legal costs
Fri 12 Dec 2008 - The wealthy co-founder of international cosmetics retailing company Lush has agreed to help fund the legal costs of the 56 people from environmental direct action group Plane Stupid who were arrested on Monday (December 8) after cutting through the perimeter fencing of London's Stansted Airport. The protesters chained themselves to makeshift barriers close to the runway, forcing the closure of the airport and the cancellation of 52 flights. Read more ...
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Finnair launches a CO2 emissions calculator for passengers on its website
Thu 17 Apr 2008 - Finnair is offering passengers a website facility on its home page to calculate the CO2 emissions on flights but has decided to buck the current trend and not offer customers a carbon offset scheme. The airline says the responsibility for cutting emissions lies with it, not the passenger. Read more ...
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Rapporteur says EU should seek bilateral agreements in seeking global solution to reduce international aviation emissions
Tue 8 July 2008 - Ahead of the European Parliament's vote to include aviation into the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), Peter Liese, the MEP and rapporteur who has steered the legislation, is hopeful bilateral agreements can be made by the EU with countries planning similar schemes of their own to limit increases in aviation emissions. Following meetings in Washington with environmental advisors to the two presidential candidates, he is optimistic that the EU and the US can find common ground after the forthcoming election. Read more ...
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ADP launches geothermal project to provide Paris-Orly airport with renewable energy heating
Thu 17 Apr 2008 - The operator of Paris-Orly airport, Aeroports de Paris (ADP), has agreed an 11 million euro ($17.5m) project to build a geothermal station that will provide the airport with up to a third of its total heating needs. The airport is situated on a hot water table where the water temperature reaches 74 degrees C at a depth of 1,700 metres. Not only is geothermal energy efficient, it is environmentally clean and cost effective. Read more ...
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Continental Airlines announces first-ever US biofuel flight will take place in early January
Fri 12 Dec 2008 - Continental Airlines will conduct a biofuel-powered demonstration flight on January 7 from Houston, Texas. Not only will it be the first US flight to use a biofuel blend, it will be the first using a twin-engined aircraft, a CFM56-7B-powered Boeing 737-800, and the first use of algae as a biojet fuel. The fuel to be used in one of the two engines will be a blend of 50 percent traditional jet fuel and 50 percent biofuel sourced from algae and jatropha. Meanwhile, Air New Zealand has rescheduled its jatropha-based biofuel flight to December 30. Read more ...
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Increased engine washing leads to a significant cut in fuel consumption and emissions for Finnair
Fri 4 July 2008 - By washing its engines more frequently, Finnair has managed to reduce aircraft fuel consumption between one and two percent, leading to annual savings of over one million euros. A clean and well-maintained engine is at its most efficient and therefore uses less fuel causing fewer emissions, says the airline. Read more ...
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Alaska Airlines reduces fuel consumption by 17 percent through winglet retrofitting and ground air units
Thu 3 July 2008 - Alaska Airlines is now using mobile ground-based air units at nearly all its gates at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. It has also just completed retrofitting all its existing Boeing 737 aircraft capable of using blended winglets. Since 2002, the airline estimates it has reduced fuel consumption per passenger mile by 17 percent. Read more ...
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ANA and JAL Group to participate in voluntary trials of Japan's domestic Emissions Trading Scheme
Thu 11 Dec 2008 - Both All Nippon Airways (ANA) and the JAL Group have announced they will join in trials of Japan's domestic voluntary emissions trading scheme, JVETS, which started in fiscal 2008 and runs through until 31 March 2012. JAL Group's domestic airlines, which comprise Japan Airlines and six other subsidiaries, are targeting a 16 percent cut in CO2 emissions per available seat kilometre (ASK) until 2012. ANA has committed to a 200,000-tonne reduction in annual CO2 emissions by 2011, compared with 2006. Read more ...
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EC official says environmental charges imposed by EU States should be repealed once ETS kicks in
Fri 11 Apr 2008 - Speaking at a European Regions Airline Association (ERA) conference in Malta on Wednesday, the European Commission's Head of Unit, Internal Market, Air Transport Agreements and Multilateral Relations, Olivier Onidi, said any passenger or aircraft environmental tax imposed by EU States should be repealed once aviation is included in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). Read more ...
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EasyJet starts UK newspaper campaign to press for a fairer and greener air tax to replace APD
Thu 3 July 2008 - Low-cost airline easyJet is taking out advertisements in the UK national newspapers calling on the UK government to make its air tax greener and also free of subsidies to airlines with transfer passengers. It largely supports plans to replace the current Air Passenger Duty (APD) with a flight-based tax. However, the campaign coincides with an adjudication against the airline by the country’s advertising watchdog over green claims. Read more ...
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Emirates to conduct world's longest green flight trial to coincide with launch of new service to San Francisco
Wed 10 Dec 2008 - Emirates Airline is set to trial the longest green flight to date next Monday (December 15) to coincide with the airline's inaugural flight from Dubai to San Francisco. Christened the Emvironment flight, the 16-hour, non-stop, cross-polar journey has been plotted with the cooperation of government agencies in Dubai, Russia, Iceland, Canada and the United States, and will involve multiple fuel and emission saving measures that the airline hopes will save an estimated 30,000 pounds (13.6 tonnes) of carbon emissions. Read more ...
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European Commission announces patronage of the solar-powered Solar Impulse aircraft project
Thu 10 Apr 2008 - The environmental credentials of the Swiss-based Solar Impulse aeroplane were recognized by the European Commission yesterday in a ceremony at the European Parliament. Jacques Barrot, the Commission's Vice President with responsibility for Transport, said it was "an example that should be followed by all players within society, a symbol of what we should be aspiring to." Read more ...
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Airbus chief says aviation sector is unfairly attacked over climate change
Thu 10 Apr 2008 - In a media briefing in Auckland, Airbus President and CEO Tom Enders said the aviation sector had been unfairly singled out and attacked as the major contributor to climate change. Aviation is not just about passengers, he told journalists, it also supports millions of livelihoods with around 40 per cent of goods by value transported by air. Read more ...
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FAA's environment chief Daniel Elwell departs to join Aerospace Industries Association
Wed 2 July 2008 - The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) has announced the appointment of Daniel Elwell as Vice President of Civil Aviation. Elwell is currently Assistant Administrator for Aviation Policy, Planning and Environment at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). At the FAA, Elwell was responsible for aviation policy and strategy on environment and energy issues. He joins the AIA on July 7. Read more ...
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Lochard launches web-based module to enable airports to assess and track aircraft carbon emissions
Wed 10 Dec 2008 - Environmental monitoring solutions company Lochard has launched AirTrak-Carbon Manager, which helps airports accurately compute and view carbon emissions from the entire aircraft operation, including the Landing and Take-Off (LTO) cycle and en-route. By receiving continuous automated information using actual flight track data, airports can precisely assess the impact of carbon reduction measures and report emission trends. Read more ...
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Climate change and capacity constraints will significantly impact European airports by 2030, reports Eurocontrol study
Tue 9 Dec 2008 - According to a new Eurocontrol study, Challenges of Growth, even taking the current economic downturn into account, demand for flights in Europe will rise from 10 million today to 20.4 million in 2030, leading to one in two flights at risk of delay or cancellation at highly congested airports. In addition, bouts of extreme weather and other effects of climate change will bring further disruption to already saturated airports, together with changes to travel and route patterns. Read more ...
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International aviation emissions now firmly on the post-Kyoto climate talks agenda
Thu 10 Apr 2008 - An attempt by the European Union, supported by nations such as Norway and New Zealand, to include aviation GHG emissions in an international climate change agreement when the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012 met with resistance from some developing countries at last week's UNFCCC climate change talks in Bangkok. However, a compromise was agreed in which the matter will be discussed in further meetings set for this year. Read more ...
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Political deal on aviation's inclusion into EU ETS fails to satisfy either airlines or environmentalists
Wed 2 July 2008 - Last week's compromise agreement between the European Council and European Parliament on the key outstanding issues concerning the inclusion of aviation into the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) has met with disapproval from industry associations representing both European and international airlines. A European transport environment NGO says the deal will fail in delivering real emission cuts. Read more ...
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ATA calls on Congress to support and fund initiatives to help reduce US commercial aviation GHG emissions
Thu 3 Apr 2008 - Appearing yesterday before the US House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, Air Transport Association of America (ATA) President and CEO James C. May said there was a critical role for the federal government to play in efforts to reduce GHG emissions by US airlines and urged Congress to "calibrate" any climate change-related legislation that included aviation. Read more ...
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European Parliament and Council reach compromise deal on including aviation into the EU ETS
Fri 27 June 2008 - A second-reading deal on the inclusion of aviation into the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) was struck yesterday between MEPs on the European Parliament's Environment Committee (ENVI) and the co-legislating European Council, which sees movement by both sides on issues such as the starting date, capping and the level of allowances. The agreement will now be put to a vote by MEPs on July 9. Read more ...
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Report sets out to show how the aviation industry lobbied to "hijack" its inclusion into the EU ETS
Fri 5 Dec 2008 - A new report from campaign and research group Corporate Europe Observatory (CEO) describes how, in its view, the aviation industry undermined the inclusion of aviation in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). It details how it saw the International Air Transport Association (IATA), national airlines and key member states effectively working together to weaken original proposals to tackle emissions from aviation with the result, it claims, that the fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions in Europe will continue to grow rapidly. Read more ...
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Airbus Corporate Foundation established to support environmental, humanitarian and youth activities
Wed 3 Dec 2008 - Airbus has announced the launch of the Airbus Corporate Foundation, which is aimed at facilitating charitable activities worldwide within an international network of employees, associations and international organizations. Starting off with a budget of 2.5 million euros ($3.1m), the foundation will focus its support on the three themes of humanitarian and community support, youth development and the environment. Read more ...
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Boeing announces first-ever flight of a manned hydrogen fuel cell-powered airplane
Thu 3 Apr 2008 - Boeing has revealed successful flight testing of a manned airplane powered by hydrogen fuel cells, the first time in aviation history. The technology converts hydrogen directly into electricity and heat with none of the products of combustion such as carbon dioxide. However, the aircraft manufacturer does not envision that fuel cells will ever provide primary power for large passenger airplanes. Read more ...
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Sustainable Power claims impressive results following lab testing of its bio-jet fuel blend
Fri 27 June 2008 - Mississippi-based Sustainable Power Corp has announced that joint testing conducted with an undisclosed airline has yielded favourable laboratory results of its 'All-Green' bio-jet fuel blend. A 90/10 jet fuel blend was created by combining jet fuel supplied by the airline with fuel created by Sustainable Power’s second-generation biocrude process. Read more ...
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Asia's travel industry needs to respond to growing public and business concerns over climate change, says PATA
Thu 3 Apr 2008 - The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) says the travel industry should take heed of the results of recent polls that show Asian consumers and businesses are increasingly anxious about the impacts of climate change. A recent survey found that people in Asia were generally more fearful than Europeans about the threat and another survey discovered Asian CEOs were apprehensive that climate change would lead to rising energy costs. Read more ...
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Emirates warns environmental taxes and the EU ETS could place its European regional routes at risk
Tue 2 Dec 2008 - International carrier Emirates says that the additional costs it will incur as a result of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), coming on top of the imposition of "punitive" environmental taxes on plane tickets, will place a number of its European regional routes, particularly to the UK, at risk. Europe’s largest low-cost carrier Ryanair also gave notice that it would no longer continue to absorb increasing passenger taxes and will be seeking discussions with regional airports about the future viability of some routes. Read more ...
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European Single European Sky II proposals promise annual savings of 16 million tonnes of CO2
Thu 26 June 2008 - The European Commission has adopted the second package of legislation, known as Single European Sky II (SES II), for reforming Europe's air traffic management system. The package is based on four pillars and places environmental issues at its core, says the Commission, with prospective emissions reductions of 10 percent per flight. This is calculated to save an overall 16 million tonnes of CO2 savings per year and a reduction of annual costs by 2.4 billion euros ($3.8bn). Read more ...
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Air New Zealand postpones biofuel flight following Airbus A320 loss off French coast
Wed 3 Dec 2008 - Today's scheduled biofuel test flight from Auckland of an Air New Zealand Boeing 747-400 has been postponed until early January following the loss of an Air New Zealand Airbus A320, which came down in the Mediterranean off the coast of France last Friday. Read more ...
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PetroSun commences commercial operations on its algae-to-biofuels farm in Texas
Tue 1 Apr 2008 - PetroSun Biofuels, a wholly-owned subsidiary of energy company PetroSun Inc, has started operations of its commercial algae-to-biofuels farm located on the Texas Gulf Coast near Harlingen. The farm consists of 1,100 acres (445ha) of open saltwater ponds of which 20 acres (8ha) are said to be dedicated for use in researching and developing an experimental jet fuel. Read more ...
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UN climate chief urges international aviation to come up with concrete proposals to tackle climate change
Thu 26 June 2008 - Speaking to delegates attending an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) workshop on carbon markets in Montreal, Yvo de Boer, the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), challenged the aviation sector to cooperate in reaching a new climate change deal by the time of the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen at the end of next year. Read more ...
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Japan Airlines becomes first Asian airline to announce plans for second generation biofuel flight
Tue 24 June 2008 - In cooperation with Boeing and engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney, Japan Airlines (JAL) has announced it will conduct a demonstration flight early next year using a second generation biofuel blended with jet fuel in one of the four engines of a P&W JT9D-powered Boeing 747-300 aircraft. This will also mark the first in-flight biofuel test for Pratt & Whitney. Read more ...
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Norwegian report concludes that governments must explain the benefits of environmental taxes
Tue 2 Dec 2008 - A new study by the Oslo-based Center for International Climate and Environmental Research (CICERO) says that although environmental taxes can have a significant impact on global emissions, governments face a huge challenge in convincing the public and business of their value if the benefits are not explained or if the taxes are not earmarked for specific environmental purposes. Read more ...
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US Select Committee to hold hearing tomorrow to examine aviation's impact on global warming
Tue 1 Apr 2008 - The US House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming is holding a hearing tomorrow, April 2, titled 'From the Wright Brothers to the Right Solutions: Curbing Soaring Aviation Emissions'. Under cross-examination will be representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), International Air Transport Association (IATA), the US Air Transport Association (ATA) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Read more ...
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Air New Zealand, Continental and Virgin Atlantic join newly-formed algae trade association
Mon 23 June 2008 - Air New Zealand, Continental Airlines and Virgin Atlantic Airways, along with biofuel technology developer UOP, have joined the recently formed Algal Biomass Organization (ABO), which is co-chaired by aerospace manufacturer Boeing. ABO expects these new members will form the first wave of aviation-related companies interested in developing new generation biofuels. Read more ...
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Analysts forecast US airlines to suffer reversal of fortunes in 2008 as fuel price continues to bite
Fri 28 Mar 2008 - Estimates at the beginning of the year that airlines in the United States might make a small profit in 2008 have now turned to an industry loss running into billions of dollars. The price of jet fuel has risen 30 per cent since January, and 70 per cent higher than a year ago. Airlines have started to trim routes and capacity but it is probably too little and too late, and the impact of a slowing economy is still an unknown factor. Read more ...
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Student teams from more than 60 countries take on the Airbus 'Fly Your Ideas' environmental challenge
Tue 2 Dec 2008 - Teams representing more than 900 university students from over 60 countries have registered for the Airbus 'Fly Your Ideas' competition that aims to generate ideas to help shape the future of the air transport industry and deliver further reductions in the environmental impact of aviation. Entries for the competition closed yesterday and a six-month process now begins to find the winning project, to be announced at the next Paris Air Show in June 2009. Read more ...
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Accreditation scheme to be established for enabling European airports to achieve carbon neutral status
Fri 20 June 2008 - European airports attending this week's ACI Europe Annual Assembly have committed to an environmental resolution that includes the implementation of a Europe-wide accreditation scheme within 12 months that will allow airports to follow a common framework for the measurement, reporting and reduction of carbon emissions from their operations, with the possibility of becoming carbon neutral. Read more ...
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Air New Zealand forms an environment trust to fund R&D and launches customer offset facility
Thu 27 Mar 2008 - Air New Zealand has formed an environment trust committed to funding research and development into alternative fuels and supporting other green projects. The airline has also launched a carbon offset facility through its website, providing customers with the option to fund the purchase of carbon credits to offset their travel. Read more ...
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East Midlands Airport takes delivery of electric Smart Car and wins environmental award for its nature trail
Mon 1 Dec 2008 - The UK's East Midland Airport has won a Green Apple Environment Awards for its six-mile nature trail, the third consecutive year the airport has picked up an environmental best practice award from the Green Organisation. The airport, along with two other airports in the group, has also taken delivery of an electric-powered Smart Car as part of plans to make all ground operations carbon neutral by 2012. Read more ...
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Frankfurt Airport sets 30 percent emissions reduction target for 2020 and plans for a future 'eco terminal'
Fri 20 June 2008 - Fraport, the manager and operator of Frankfurt Airport, has announced a six-point environmental programme that includes reducing CO2 emissions per passenger by 30 percent from the 2005 level by 2020, saving about 130,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. The operator has also committed to ensuring the proposed expansion plans for the airport will be achieved in a carbon-neutral manner. Read more ...
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Seattle Port Commission publishes greenhouse gas inventory for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Thu 27 Mar 2008 - The Port of Seattle has published a wide-ranging inventory of GHG emissions resulting from both ground and aircraft operations at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in 2006. Its commissioners have directed its own staff to establish reduction targets at the airport based on the inventory, and have also called for greater federal involvement in efforts to cut aviation emissions. Read more ...
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UK decision to extend passenger duty distance bands and scrap plane tax finds little support from industry
Mon 1 Dec 2008 - Last week's announcement by the UK Government that it would scrap proposals to introduce a per-plane tax and instead retain, and extend, Air Passenger Duty (APD) has been met with at best a mixed reaction from both industry representatives and environmental groups. Airlines say the increase in duty is little more than a tax grab under the guise of environmental protection whereas environmentalists say an opportunity to extend the tax to freight and transfer passengers has been missed. Read more ...
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European airline and airport chiefs call for responsible policies on ATM and emissions trading
Fri 20 June 2008 - Chief executives from European airlines and airports have heavily criticized recent amendments put forward by the European Parliament's Environment Committee and have also warned of the possible negative environmental and competitive impact of a "looming airport capacity crunch", which would add to deficiencies in the European air traffic management system. Read more ...
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UK advertising watchdog upholds complaint against environmental groups' emissions and airport expansion claims
Tue 25 Mar 2008 - A complaint by low-cost airline easyJet over an advertisement by two UK airport environmental pressure groups, AirportWatch and enoughsenough, has been upheld by the UK's advertising watchdog, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). The airline had contested three claims in the advertisement relating to aviation emissions and airport expansion in the UK. Read more ...
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UK Government decides against change to a plane tax and instead opts for increases on passenger duty
Fri 28 Nov 2008 - The UK Government has decided not to switch from a per airline passenger duty to a tax per plane on the grounds that to do so could harm the aviation industry. Instead, the present two-band Air Passenger Duty (APD) will be extended to four bands, with increases in duty to take place in November 2009 and again the following year. The new reform is expected to lead to savings of 0.6 MtCO2 in 2011-12. Read more ...
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ICAO to hold a workshop to explore ways of including international aviation in a global carbon market
Fri 21 Mar 2008 - The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is to hold a two-day workshop 'Aviation and Carbon Markets' on June 18-19 at its headquarters in Montreal to "explore possible ways of including international civil aviation in a global carbon market". Read more ...
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Lufthansa targets 25 percent reduction in CO2 emissions and 10 percent use of biofuels by 2020
Fri 20 June 2008 - Lufthansa has published 15 environmental guidelines to achieve substantial reductions in CO2, NOx and noise emissions by 2020. Included in the plans is support for the targets set by ACARE and IATA's four-pillar strategy as well as revenue-neutral incentive systems such as emissions-based landing fees. The airline also aims to use up to 10 percent of biofuel in jet fuel blends by 2020. Read more ...
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The EU ETS must be strengthened or its impact on aviation emissions will be minimal, says Tyndall study
Fri 21 Nov 2008 - The Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research at the UK's Manchester University has just published a working paper that assesses the implications on climate targets of including aviation within the EU's Emissions Trading Scheme. It concludes that unless the scheme adopts both an early baseline year and an overall cap in keeping with a 450ppmv CO2 equivalent cumulative emission pathway, its impact on aviation emissions will be minimal. The authors say carbon prices will need to be much higher or other stringent constraints will be required to restrict the rapid growth in aviation emissions. Read more ...
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Austria's aviation industry combines to produce a publication to support its climate protection activities
Fri 21 Nov 2008 - Austrian Airlines Group, the Austrian air navigation services provider Austro Control and six Austrian airports have jointly published a report called 'The Environment and Aviation', which aims to document the multi-faceted efforts of the country's air transport industry in support of environmental and climate protection. Meanwhile, Austrian Airlines has released details of the recent performance of its passenger carbon offset scheme, which show an 8.5 per cent take-up on online bookings. Read more ...
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EU's new Transport Commissioner pledges action on delivering a Single European Sky
Thu 19 June 2008 - Italian Antonio Tajani was yesterday confirmed as the EU's new Transport Commissioner, succeeding Jacques Barrot, after a vote by MEPs. In a hearing organized by the European Parliament's Transport Committee on Monday, Tajani told MEPs that a Single Sky initiative to be unveiled on June 25 will lead to reduced airline fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Welcoming the appointment, IATA's Giovanni Bisignani urged Tajani to "weigh-in" on the ETS debate. Read more ...
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Virgin's Branson attacks BA boss for having a lack of vision on biofuels
Thu 20 Mar 2008 - In a letter to The Guardian newspaper, Sir Richard Branson criticized comments by British Airways' Chief Executive, Willie Walsh, that the recent Virgin Airways biofuel flight was "a bit of a PR stunt". Branson accused Walsh of lacking both vision and an environmental strategy. Read more ...
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Costa Rica's NatureAir becomes the first airline to join the United Nations' Climate Neutral Network
Fri 21 Nov 2008 - Having laid claim to becoming the world's first carbon neutral airline, Costa Rica-based NatureAir has now joined the Climate Neutral Network (CN Net), an initiative led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to promote global action towards low-carbon economies and societies. In 2004, the airline pledged to offset all its carbon emissions through the purchase of government carbon credits, paid for by increasing fares, and used for the protection of tropical forests in southern Costa Rica. Read more ...
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EU Transport Commissioner warns US that its air carriers must join a carbon trading scheme or face EU curbs
Thu 20 Mar 2008 - In an interview with The Guardian newspaper, Jacques Barrot, the European Union's Transport Commissioner, said that as part of second-phase negotiations with the US on the 'open skies' agreement, he would be demanding US airlines join the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) or an equivalent US system. Read more ...
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Negotiations on aviation's proposed entry into the EU Emissions Trading Scheme reach a critical phase
Thu 19 June 2008 - After two rounds of closed meetings between representatives of the European Parliament, the European Council and the European Commission, differences remain on some key issues concerning the inclusion of aviation into the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. A third crucial meeting has been set for next Thursday (June 26) at which a deal needs to be sealed before the directive is due to be submitted to a second reading in a full plenary session of the Parliament on July 8. Read more ...
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Detroit Metropolitan Airport takes delivery of two hydrogen-powered Ford shuttle buses
Thu 20 Mar 2008 - Two Ford E-450 hydrogen-fuelled, near-zero CO2 emitting buses have been delivered to Detroit Metropolitan Airport and will be used for shuttling passengers between terminals. Read more ...
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Southwest and United sign long-term engine wash agreements with P&W to save fuel and emissions
Wed 18 June 2008 - Against a backdrop of crippling fuel prices, US airlines are seeking every possible means to ensure their aircraft operate at peak efficiency. Southwest Airlines and United Airlines are the latest to sign multi-year agreements to use the EcoPower engine wash system offered by Pratt & Whitney Global Service Partners, which promises significant fuel savings and resulting reductions in CO2 emissions. Read more ...
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UK's new Transport Secretary says supporting aviation and protecting the environment are completely compatible
Thu 20 Nov 2008 - The UK's new Secretary of State for Transport, Geoff Hoon, said in a speech delivered to the Airport Operators Association (AOA) Annual Conference in London earlier this week that the debate around the future of aviation has become extremely polarized. He said there were three main myths which needed to be tackled concerning the environment, airport capacity and high-speed rail links. AOA's Executive Chairman Ed Anderson told delegates the impending switch by the Government to an aircraft-based duty was "the wrong tax at the wrong time". Read more ...
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Brisbane Airport aviation trial leads to reduction of 650 tonnes of aircraft GHG emissions
Wed 19 Mar 2008 - A trial conducted by Airservices Australia that integrates Required Navigation Performance (RNP) aircraft approach and departure procedures into a busy international airport environment is estimated to have saved 200 tonnes of jet fuel burn and 650 tonnes of CO2 emissions in the first 12 months. Read more ...
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Europe's failure to implement a Single European Sky is an environmental embarrassment, says IATA
Thu 20 Nov 2008 - The failure to implement an effective Single European Sky (SES) is Europe's biggest environmental embarrassment, IATA Director General and CEO Giovanni Bisignani told high-level delegates to the European Aviation Summit held in Bordeaux, France earlier this week. He challenged Europe to deliver the SES by 2012 to coincide with aviation's inclusion into the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. He was supported by the Association of European Airlines, who described the present ATM system as a "morass of inefficiency". Read more ...
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ICAO launches its carbon emissions calculator and provides full details on methodology used
Fri 13 June 2008 - The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has finally launched its carbon emissions calculator and provided a general description of the methodology used in the approach. It has been provided in an open-source format that will facilitate individual air carriers that may wish to customize it with their own data. Read more ...
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Air New Zealand says tailored arrivals initiative at San Francisco has resulted in significant emissions savings
Fri 13 June 2008 - Since it started the continuous descent trials at San Francisco Airport in January, Air New Zealand reports that it has saved an estimated 22,000kg of fuel and 69,140kg of CO2 emissions. The airline is the first international carrier invited to join the San Francisco Oceanic Tailored Arrivals Trial, which is a joint venture between Boeing, NASA, the FAA and the airport. Read more ...
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SESAR announces 100 emissions-reducing European green procedure flight trials to take place in 2009
Wed Nov 19 2008 - The SESAR programme, the operational and technology component of Europe's Single European Sky (SES) air traffic modernization legislation, has received a kick-start with the announcement that over 100 flight trials, involving 17 partners representing airlines, airports, air navigation service providers and industry, will take place during next year under the Atlantic Interoperability Initiative to Reduce Emissions (AIRE) framework. Greener flight procedures could potentially reduce carbon emissions per flight by 10 percent. Read more ...
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Turkish Airlines becomes launch participant in engine blade reclamation programme
Wed 19 Mar 2008 - Turkish Airlines has become the first GE Aviation customer to participate in the engine manufacturer's material scrap reclamation programme in which the airline will return its old high pressure turbine (HPT) blades made from nickel superalloys that contain the rare and costly element rhenium. The material is then cleaned and melted for re-use in HPT blade manufacturing. Read more ...
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Air Mauritius pledges support to the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation's conservation activities
Fri 13 June 2008 - Air Mauritius and the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that is aimed at supporting the conservation of local birdlife, such as the Paille-en-Queue, a long-tailed tropical bird that is the symbol of Air Mauritius, the Rodrigues warbler and the Rodrigues fody. Read more ...
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Locally-sourced algae lined up as probable biofuel for Air New Zealand test flight later this year
Tue 18 Mar 2008 - Local reports suggest the biofuel to be used on the Air New Zealand test flight scheduled for later this year is likely to be from an algae-based source supplied by a New Zealand company, Aquaflow Bionomic Corporation, an algae biodiesel developer. Read more ...
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United Airlines becomes first US carrier to undertake fuel and emissions saving ASPIRE flight
Mon 17 Nov 2008 - United Airlines became the first US carrier to participate in the trans-Pacific ASPIRE initiative last Friday (Nov 14) when a Boeing 747-400 flight between Sydney and San Francisco undertook 11 gate-to-gate operational procedures, from priority take-off clearance to a tailored arrival, that resulted in savings of 1,564 gallons (5,920 litres) of fuel and 32,656 pounds (14.81 tonnes) of carbon emissions over normal conditions. Read more ...
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Airline association appeals to European legislators to stop moving the goalposts on aviation ETS
Mon 17 Nov 2008 - Speaking at last week's Annual General Meeting of the International Air Carrier Association (IACA), its President, Christoph Mueller, called on MEPs to reject tough amendments to the EU Emissions Trading Scheme proposed by its Environment Committee (ENVI) when it comes before the European Parliament early next month as part of a general review of the scheme. Read more ...
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Continental Airlines partners with Boeing and GE for first US biofuel flight in 2009
Fri 14 Mar 2008 - Continental Airlines has announced plans to carry out a biofuel demonstration flight on a CFM56-powered Boeing Next-Generation 737 in the first half of 2009. The partners will work with an undisclosed fuel provider in the months leading up to the flight to identify the biofuel to be used. Read more ...
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Malaysia Airlines launches passenger carbon offset programme and shows interest in using jet biofuels
Fri 13 June 2008 - Malaysia Airlines (MAS) has launched a voluntary carbon offset programme, 'Towards a Greener Future', that allows customers of the airline and its subsidiaries Firefly and MASwings to pledge a contribution towards reducing the effects of CO2. At the launch ceremony, the Managing Director and CEO of MAS, Dato' Sri Idris Jala, expressed an enthusiasm to use biofuels. Read more ...
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Report challenges claims that airline and tourism expansion benefits the economy and poorer nations
Mon 17 Nov 2008 - A new report, entitled Plane Truths, from the new economics foundation (nef) and the World Development Movement (WDM) claims that increased air travel and tourism leaves UK taxpayers out of pocket and benefits multinational tour operators and hotel chains rather than poor people. Also, as the fastest-rising source of emissions in the UK, it maintains aviation is a significant contributor to climate change that threatens the survival of some of the world's poorest communities. Read more ...
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Solena announces development of first large-scale US renewable jet fuel production facility
Thu 13 Mar 2008 - Washington-based Solena Group, a leading global bio-energy company, is to develop in partnership with Rentech Inc what it describes as the world's first commercial scale aviation grade biofuel production plant in California. The process is based on 100 per cent Bio-SynGas that is generated from biomass and municipal solid waste and then converted into renewable jet fuel. Read more ...
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UK newspaper reveals contents of US protest letter to the UK government over proposed switch on aviation duty
Thu 12 June 2008 - Following an article in the UK's Sunday Times on May 11, the Daily Telegraph has published a full transcript of the six-page letter sent on April 15 by the US Embassy to the UK's Foreign Office. The letter rebuts the claim made by the UK Treasury that the switch from a per-passenger duty to a per-aircraft charge has been proposed on environmental grounds. Read more ...
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Jean-Cyril Spinetta |
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Air France chief says current proposals for EU ETS will cause "useless turmoil" for airlines
Wed 11 June 2008 - Jean-Cyril Spinetta, Chairman and CEO of Air France KLM, has expressed concern over the direction of discussions currently taking place between EU legislators on the inclusion of aviation into the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). Despite earlier support for its introduction, he fears the principle of a neutral system that rewarded those airlines that made efforts to reduce GHG emissions is being lost. Read more ...
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Environment is the new imperative, aviation industry delegates to air navigation conference are told
Fri 14 Nov 2008 - The aviation industry must accelerate implementation of advanced airspace management technologies to counteract pressure from a public increasingly concerned about the environment, delegates to a Seattle conference on Performance Based Navigation (PBN) were told earlier this week. PBN relies on GPS guidance and advanced flight management systems to guide aircraft on very precise vertical and horizontal tracks, enabling them to take more efficient routes and save both fuel and emissions Read more ...
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SAS Group sets 20 per cent emissions reduction target by 2020 compared with 2007
Thu 13 Mar 2008 - The SAS Group has launched a new environmental strategy that aims to cut overall CO2 emissions by 20 per cent by 2020 compared to 2007, taking into account an anticipated passenger growth of 4 per cent a year during this period. In line with IATA's airline industry aims, the Group is taking steps to achieve zero emissions by 2050. Read more ...
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Faced with ever-rising oil prices, European airlines vent their anger at environment MEPs
Fri 6 June 2008 - Associations representing European airlines have queued up to condemn last week's vote by the European Parliament's Environment (ENVI) Committee to hold fast to its original proposals on the inclusion of aviation into the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. Airlines have described the Committee's strict position on allowances and capping as "punitive", whereas environmental campaigners have welcomed the vote. Read more ...
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FedEx commits to reducing the carbon emissions of its aircraft fleet by 20 percent by 2020
Fri 14 Nov 2008 - FedEx has pledged to cut the carbon dioxide emissions of its aircraft fleet by 20 percent by 2020, mainly to be achieved through investing in more fuel-efficient aircraft as well as 30 other initiatives, with matching reductions in its vehicle fleet. Since 2005, the corporation says it has reduced aircraft emissions by 3.7 percent per available ton mile. FedEx Express and FedEx Freight operate three solar-powered facilities in California and recently broke ground for its largest solar-powered hub to date in Cologne, Germany. Read more ...
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Oil price reaches all-time inflation adjusted high as production declines
Tue 11 Mar 2008 - The price of oil in New York last week passed the all-time, inflation-adjusted peak of $103.76 per barrel set in April 1980. By yesterday, the price had climbed to $109. Although the global economy is slowing and the demand for gasoline is dropping in the US, why does the price keep rising? Read more ...
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EASA launches public consultation on essential environmental requirements for European aviation
Fri 6 June 2008 - The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has published a consultation document, proposing improvements in environmental protection. Comments received will help EASA to formulate a final position to the European Commission in view of a possible legislative proposal and this would complete the single system to regulate safety and environmental compatibility in European civil aviation. Read more ...
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Jatropha-based biofuel cleared for take-off on Air New Zealand test flight early next month
Thu 13 Nov 2008 - Air New Zealand and Boeing have announced that the world's first flight using a second-generation biofuel will take place from Auckland on December 3. Derived from sustainably grown jatropha sourced from south-eastern Africa and India, the crude oil was converted to biojet fuel using UOP's processing technology. According to Rolls-Royce, the biofuel has met or exceeded all technical specifications during laboratory testing. Read more ...
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Newspaper report accuses the UK government and BAA of "bending facts" over Heathrow expansion
Mon 10 Mar 2008 - The UK's Sunday Times has published a "special investigation" accusing BAA, the operator of London's Heathrow Airport, and the Department for Transport of conspiring before the public consultation on the large-scale expansion of the airport to manipulate environmental data that initially suggested noise and pollution targets would be breached. Read more ...
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Airlines welcome decision by Belgian Government to drop proposals for an airline passenger tax
Mon 10 Nov 2008 - Protests by airlines, airports and tour operators have succeeded in overturning a recent proposal by the Belgian Government to impose an airline passenger ticket tax that was intended to raise an estimated 132 million euros ($170m) annually. An online petition to stop the tax gathered 36,000 names in just two weeks. Meanwhile, the European Parliament's rapporteur on the directive to include aviation into the EU ETS has criticized the UK and the Netherlands on their refusals to earmark revenues for climate change mitigation. Read more ...
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EEA report confirms air passenger growth is fast outstripping passenger transport in general
Fri 7 Mar 2008 - A report published by the European Environment Agency (EEA), 'Climate for a transport change', says intra-EU air passenger transport grew by 49 per cent between 1995 and 2004, while air freight transport grew by 31 per cent between 1995 and 2005. The total CO2 emissions from EU aviation grew by 73 per cent, with air transport to destinations outside the EU-25 countries accounting for 60 per cent of these emissions. Read more ...
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FAA announces new US East Coast routes to help airlines save fuel costs and reduce emissions
Fri 6 June 2008 – The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has introduced new East Coast routes which will allow a reduction in lateral separation between aircraft over the ocean, thus enabling airliners to reach their destinations more quickly. The FAA calculates this will reduce aircraft carbon emissions by 3.9 million tons and save $400-700 million in fuel costs over a 15-year period. Read more ...
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Airbus and Southampton University set up new research centre to identify aircraft noise reduction solutions
Mon 10 Nov 2008 - A new research centre, the Airbus Noise Technology Centre, has been formally launched at the University of Southampton's School of Engineering Sciences (SES). The university has a long history of conducting research into all aspects of aircraft noise and for many years has collaborated with Airbus on a range of noise research and development projects. Read more ...
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UN climate chief urges transport sector to be proactive in seeking international agreement on climate change
Fri 6 June 2008 - Speaking at last week's International Transport Forum in Leipzig, UNFCCC Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer called on the transport sector to help shape the UN climate deal due to be agreed in Copenhagen at the end of 2009. He said present political action on transport is "woefully inadequate" and waiting for new technologies was not an affordable option. Read more ...
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Virgin Atlantic's Richard Branson announces two new environmental partnerships
Fri 7 Mar 2008 - Following on from the recent biofuel flight, Virgin Atlantic Airways has announced new environmental partnerships with General Motors and Rolls-Royce. The agreements cover the use of hydrogen-fuelled vehicles for ground transfer services and fuel saving initiatives connected to engines ordered for the airline's new fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Read more ...
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Association formed to harness the potential of algae to address global energy and environment issues
Thu 5 June 2008 - Following the success of the world's first Algae Biomass Summit last November, entrepreneurs, academics, scientists and top executives from global corporations, including Boeing, have formed the Algal Biomass Organization (ABO), whose charter is to help accelerate the development and commercial application of algae biomass. Read more ...
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Birmingham International Airport launches endangered Brazilian rainforest project
Fri 7 Mar 2008 - The UK's Birmingham International Airport has invested UKP20,000 ($40,000) to protect nearly 200 acres (80ha) of endangered rainforest in Brazil, locking up nearly 50,000 tonnes of CO2 - the equivalent used by the airport's buildings over two years. The sponsorship also includes purchasing classroom equipment, solar-powered internet and a boat for a local school. Read more ...
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Survey of British attitudes to air travel and its impact on the environment discovers a lack of consistency
Fri 7 Nov 2008 - Another survey of British air travellers shows a familiar pattern of concern by the public over green issues such as climate change and aircraft noise and air pollution but an unwillingness to let it alter their flying habits. The study, commissioned by Camcon Technology and carried out by international research agency YouGov, reveals that almost three-quarters (74 percent) were worried about the effects yet only 22 percent admitted the issue had affected the number of flights they took. Read more ...
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Air New Zealand confirms jatropha as its biofuel of choice for Boeing 747 test flight later this year
Thu 5 June 2008 - Air New Zealand has announced that it expects to use at least one million barrels of sustainable biofuel annually by 2013, satisfying 10 percent of its needs. It also says it will become the first airline to use a sustainable, second-generation biofuel when it carries out a test flight on a Rolls-Royce-powered 747-400 planned for the latter part of 2008. Read more ...
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Czech Airlines passes final stage of an environmental audit on path to ISO 14001 international standard
Thu 6 Nov 2008 - Czech Airlines is awaiting final verification of its application for ISO 14001 certification following an environmental audit carried out by Det Norske Veritas, which focused on all aspects of the carrier's activities, including flight and ground operations, aircraft maintenance and repair, training programmes for sales, support, technical and operational staff and crew. Read more ...
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Qantas to establish a major national award for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism
Thu 6 Mar 2008 - Qantas has announced the setting up of an award that would recognize and encourage Australian tourism operators that minimized their impact on the local environment, respected local culture and provided benefits to local communities. Read more ...
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Athens International Airport commemorates World Environment Day with green projects and initiatives
Thu 5 June 2008 - In recognition of World Environment Day, Athens International Airport has announced two new environmental projects in the vicinity and has committed to continue supporting local educational initiatives that promote environmental activities and studies. Read more ...
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Jatropha-based jet biofuel in final tests at Rolls-Royce before Air New Zealand test flight in December
Thu 6 Nov 2008 - The jatropha-based jet biofuel to power one of the four engines on the Air New Zealand Boeing 747-400 test flight set to take place next month has passed preliminary testing at the Rolls-Royce facility in Derby, UK. The exact date of the flight is to be confirmed once the fuel has completed a rigorous testing process to further validate its specifications. The airline also reports it has recently completed its first Required Navigation Performance (RNP) enabled A320 flight between Sydney and Queenstown, saving fuel and carbon emissions as well as reducing noise levels. Read more ...
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Protecting the environment is affordable but we must act now, says major OECD report
Wed 5 Mar 2008 - In its 'Environmental Outlook to 2030' published today, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has put forward a package of policies to address the effects of global warming that to implement could cost as little as a loss of 0.03 percentage points in annual average GDP growth globally to 2030, stressing the cost of inaction is high. Read more ...
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European pressure on ICAO and third countries to come up with global proposals on emissions reductions
Mon 3 Nov 2008 - Delegates to last week's conference in Geneva, Meeting the Environmental Challenge, organized by the European Commission and the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC), heard calls for an international dialogue and a comprehensive approach in reducing aviation greenhouse gas emissions. If aviation is not ready to take the appropriate steps now, States will force the industry to act by probably demanding even tougher measures, said Moritz Leuenberger, Swiss Minister for Transport and Environment. Non-EU representatives, however, expressed their continuing concerns over Europe's Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). Read more ...
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UK transport minister says aviation emissions calls for a global consensus on a global problem
Mon 3 Mar 2008 - The UK's Secretary of State for Transport, Ruth Kelly, said in a speech today that new answers are needed to the question of how aviation can grow sustainably. She called for a worldwide emissions trading scheme for aviation and said ICAO must "raise its game" on tackling climate change. Read more ...
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UNWTO publishes climate change report and urges the tourism sector to seek long term carbon neutrality
Thu 5 June 2008 - To coincide with World Environment Day, the UN's World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) today published its 2008 report 'Climate Change and Tourism, Responding to Global Challenges', which it developed in cooperation with the UN Environmental Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). UNWTO is also to collaborate with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to promote ICAO's new air travel carbon calculator. Read more ...
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