07 November 2008

People flying in the face of green concerns

Concerns over aviationââ¬â¢s affect on the environment is doing little to discourage people from flying, a new study shows.

While green issues, such as climate change, noise and air pollution, worry almost three quarters of people (74%), only 22% admitted that these concerns had affected the number of flights they take.

More than half (54%) of the 2,023 adults questioned were unconcerned by the proposed third runway expansion at Heathrow and other UK airports.

In fact, 41% felt that more capacity was required to meet flight demands, according to the research conducted by YouGov on behalf of Camcon Technology, the UK developer of the digital valve.

For the 46% of adults that remained more apprehensive about airport development plans, key causes for concern are:

*Noise pollution (67%)
*Climate change (65%)
*Air quality (60%)
*House prices in the surrounding area (30%)

While the research revealed peopleââ¬â¢s hesitance to reduce their air travel, the majority of those surveyed were more than happy to embrace technology designed to make aircraft more environmentally friendly.

Of those concerned about airport expansion plans, more than three quarters (77%) would feel more comfortable if they knew that airlines and air manufacturers were investing money into the development of environmentally friendly aircraft that burn less fuel and produce less noise.

Camcon CEO Danny Chapchal said: ââ¬ÅâœThe majority of the UK population is evidently concerned about the environment but, rather than altering their travelling habits, people expect airline operators and aircraft manufacturers to reduce aviationââ¬â¢s environmental impact.

ââ¬ÅâœTo protect the environment, the aviation industry needs to examine the technologies that are now available to reduce carbon emissions and help decrease the noise from engine jets, fans and landing gear.

ââ¬ÅâœWith European Union regulations placing pressure on airlines to cut emissions by three per cent in 2012 and airport expansions set to be rolled out across the UK, itââ¬â¢s time that a new generation of quieter and more environmentally friendly planes was developed.ââ¬~

by Phil Davies

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• Availability and price the real issue
  
  

  Many people tell me that by the time they book their train fares, the price has gone so high that their budget forces them back into the plane. I agree with Alex, people's habits can only really be influenced by massive investment in rail infrastructure.

  By Gary Phillips, Monday, November 10, 2008
• It is hard to be green...
  
  

  When the UK is not subsidising public transport. Domestic rail fares are as high as flights. Rail journeys take 4 times longer to get to many domestic destinations from London. Aircraft manufacturers are respondind to green issues effectively. The A380, A350 and 787 will all contribute to the lowering of CO2 and noise. The government must support engine manufacturers to make engines super efficient. There are a lot of initiatives for alternative fuels too. Funding is the key. We live on an island and need to travel for business and leisure.

  By Alex Thornton, Friday, November 7, 2008