Airlines promise cap on emissions from 2020

Through International Air Transport Association the 230 member airlines have also committed to a 1.5% average annual improvement in fuel efficiency from 2009 to 2020 and a 50% absolute reduction in carbon emissions by 2050 from a 2005 baseline. IATA’s director general, Giovanni Bisignani, says emissions will remain capped from 2020 even if demand increases. The association will have to spend approximately $US7bn a year after 2020 to purchase carbon credits, based on an estimate of $US65 a tonne in 2020, to achieve its carbon neutral growth. However, Bisignani warns the airlines’ commitment needs to be matched by Govts world-wide. The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) must set binding carbon emissions standards on manufacturers for new aircraft. A legal and fiscal framework to support the availability of sustainable bio-fuels must be established. Bisignani is also calling for Govts to work with air navigation service providers to push forward projects such as the Single European Sky, an initiative to eliminate national borders in European airspace and improve air traffic flows. Air transport’s carbon footprint is expected to shrink 7% in 2009 with 5% attributable to the recession and the other 2% directly related to efficiency gains. (June 18, 2009)