Key stakeholders in the aviation industry are showing their commitment to protect the environment. A recent Air Transport Action Group (ATAG) report indicates that the industry is instituting initiatives to further energy efficiency. The report indicates that large and small aviation industry companies globally are collaborating on the issues.

Aviation’s commitment to reduce its impact on the environment is outlined in a new report. The aviation industry set global goals in 2008 and is on track to meet a 1.5% improvement in fuel efficiency per year, the report says. Commitment exists around carbon-neutral growth whereby air traffic continues to grow even as emissions growth is offset. Long-term goals are set to reduce net CO₂ emissions from aviation to half of what they were in 2005, by 2050.

Actions underway include alternative fuel development, lighter equipment use, more efficient flight, new technology development involving aircraft and components and systematic airspace and navigation changes.

Report highlights include:

• More than 100 airports worldwide have invested in solar power to meet energy needs.
• 2,000 commercial flights have used sustainable alternative aviation fuels and airlines are pre-purchasing alternative fuels to further the effort.
• Technology, such as performance-based navigation, is leading to a lower emission impact.

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