Aviation Leads the Way in Tackling Impacts on Climate Change

(June 5, 2008) -- The Society of British Aerospace Companies (SBAC) has today launched the seventh in its series of briefing papers outlining the work being undertaken by the aerospace industry to address aviation's impact on the environment. The SBAC has set out the achievements of the industry in cutting its environmental impact so far, as well as the voluntary targets that it has set itself for further reductions in the future.

Technological improvements by engine and aircraft manufacturers over the past 50 years have resulted in a 70 per cent reduction in fuel burn and thus CO2 emissions per passenger kilometre. Manufacturers have also reduced the aircraft noise signature by 75 per cent over the last 30 years.


In 2001, recognising the challenge of meeting increased demand from the public whilst reducing the environmental impact of aviation, the Advisory Council for Aeronautics Research in Europe (ACARE) set demanding environmental targets representing a doubling of the historical rate of improvement:

- A 50 per cent cut in CO2 emissions per passenger kilometre for new aircraft entering service in 2020 relative to year-2000 aircraft.
- An 80 per cent cut in NOx emissions per passenger kilometre for new aircraft entering service in 2020 relative to year-2000 aircraft.
- A reduction in perceived noise by 50 per cent for new aircraft entering service in 2020 relative to year-2000 aircraft.
- Elimination of noise nuisance outside airport boundaries by day and night by quieter aircraft, better planning and use of land around airports and systematic use of noise reduction procedures.

Ian Godden, SBAC Chief Executive, said:

"Aviation is constantly under pressure from green groups and a misguided minority of politicians despite having achieved a great deal over the last fifty years and being responsible for only two per cent of global man-made CO2 emissions. We are also making great strides to reduce our environmental impact still further but this is constantly ignored by aviation's opponents.

"We aim to cut CO2 emissions and noise from aircraft by fifty per cent of 2000 levels by 2020 and oxides of nitrogen by eighty per cent over the same time period.

"We will achieve this through engineering breakthroughs, innovative aircraft design - such as using new aircraft shapes and composite materials - and better air traffic management. While the aviation industry is working to cut its impact on the environment our opponents propose no practical solutions only more taxes, unaffordable surface alternatives or restrictions on flying. For the UK to remain a prosperous economy these siren calls must be resisted.

"Aviation is playing its part to protect the environment and to meet the demands of the vast majority of the public who want to fly. This should be recognised and praised by environmental groups as we deliver on priorities that we share."

Source : SBAC