IATA calls for Asian leadership on emissions
HONG KONG – – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called on Asia to play a leadership role in driving the aviation industry towards carbon neutral growth leading to a zero-emission industry.
“By 2010 Asia will be the largest single market for aviation. With size comes leadership responsibility. And that includes environment issues,†said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA’s Director General and CEO.
“My focus is on reducing carbon emissions. And reducing fuel burn is at the heart of the issue.
“Every litre of fuel we can save reduces CO2 emissions by over three kilograms. By shortening routes, improving air traffic management and spreading best practice in fuel conservation IATA helped save up to 25 million tonnes of CO2 in the last two years,†said Bisignani.
“There are lots of opportunities in Asia,†said Bisignani, citing examples for innovation from around the region, including the introduction of new air traffic procedures in Japan, more efficient routings in China and the ASPIRE air traffic management joint initiative of AirServices Australia, the US FAA and Airways New Zealand.
Bisignani said that implementation must speed up, noting particularly the air traffic management system for the five airports in the Pearl River Delta region of China.
“We have seen some improvement in delays in the Golden Triangle of Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong/Guangzhou. But the time required to sort out the Pearl River Delta’s complicated system is frustratingly slow.
“We appreciate the cooperation of all involved. But cooperation without results is not effective. We must speed up with some interim solutions,†said Bisignani.
The IATA chief identified three opportunities for Asian leadership:
Communications: “Asia must avoid the mistakes made in Europe by communicating clearly aviation’s good track record on the environment, as well as a relevant and clear vision to governments and the general public.”
Air Traffic Management: “Last year the APEC Transport Ministers announced a plan to improve air traffic efficiency that is completely aligned with the industry’s strategy.
“The region has a head-start with a modern fleet. Now we must drive improvements in air traffic management by harmonising across the region and maximising the capabilities of modern aircraft to set a benchmark of efficiency for others to follow.â€
Technology Investments: “Asia’s airlines are investing billions in the most modern and fuel-efficient aircraft available.
“Governments must also play a role in driving this further with coordinated basic research into future technologies—including alternative fuels—to further improve aviation’s strong environmental track record.
“Asia’s enormous sovereign wealth funds could make an important contribution with some innovative investments,†Bisignani said.
Ian Jarrett
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