Plan to reduce carbon emissions by airlines in Europe

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Earlier this week, European aviation groups announced a new plan that would alter the way commercial aircraft land in order to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions.

By the year 2013, approximately 100 airports in Europe will allow approaching aircraft to descend from their cruising altitude to the runway in a single, smooth movement. This change would save as much as 450kg of carbon dioxide emissions per landing according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Overall, airlines are looking to save 500,000 metric tons of emissions annually by means of this change in landing procedure, Guenther Matschnigg, the head of infrastructure at IATA, said.

The move would be the first of its kind on the continent, and represents the ongoing efforts of the European airline industry to combat global warming, the IATA noted.

It also has come about at a time of a major economic downturn, when businesses and governments are concerned about transforming carbon-dependent economies.

In a recent meeting in Geneva of industry leaders, the impact of aviation on the environment was on the agenda. It was noted that while the current slowdown in air travel would help in the short-term reduction of carbon emissions, a long-term, sustainable reduction will require more efficient use of airspace and new technology.

IATA, representing 230 airlines globally, commented that a drop of 5.7 per cent in passenger traffic is anticipated for this year, and also a decline in cargo of 13 per cent.

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