The proposals have been set out in a report published today (January 16) by Airlines UK, the trade body representing UK-registered airlines.
Airlines UK said the report had been created to map out how the British aviation industry could meet the country’s demand for air travel, “while ensuring it limits its environmental impact and hits its stringent targets on reducing emissions.”
The report outlines four areas to be focused on in order to reduce levels of carbon emissions.
They feature: the continued introduction of new aircraft; greater fuel efficiency; the use of sustainable fuels; and support for international carbon trading and offset schemes.
It also highlights each area and details the industry’s progress and activity on tackling emissions, including: UK carriers introducing more than 470 new aircraft into service which offer “at least” a 13% improvement in fuel efficiency; airlines “working hard” on discovering other schemes for greater fuel efficiency; developing sustainable aviation fuels and introducing carbon offsetting.
The report also sets out a number of areas the organisation requires government backing on in order to meet its aspirations of reducing emissions.
They include: prioritising and supporting industry efforts to deliver airspace modernisation; providing a long-term policy to encourage UK sustainable aviation fuel production and creating a long-term policy to encourage UK sustainable aviation fuel production.
Airlines UK chief executive Tim Alderslade said: “UK airlines have invested in more than 470 new aircraft since 2005, at a cost of over £37 billion, helping the industry to reduce its carbon emissions by 20 million tonnes.
“A further 400 aircraft are on order and are due to enter into service in the coming years.
“Overall we are exceeding the industry target for improving our performance on carbon reduction, with an increase in fuel efficiency of 12% over the past decade.
“Government data shows that in 2015, jet fuel deliveries to UK airports, for UK and non-UK airline operations, were 10% lower than in 2006, despite 20 million more passengers being
carried.
“In short, for the first time, growth in UK aviation has been delivered without any increase in C02 emissions. This report sets out in detail the carbon impact of UK aviation and what the industry is doing to deliver sustainable growth.
“It is clear that airlines are making enormous efforts to reduce their carbon emissions. Further work is needed – some of it requiring government support – but the report demonstrates that the direction of travel is positive.”
