12% cut in CO2 emissions from European aircraft moves closer

More efficient use of airspace to deliver ‘quick win’ in cutting carbon emissions.

A|D|S, the UK’s AeroSpace, Defence and Security trade organisation today commented on the announcement from the European Commission on managing the flow of air traffic in order to optimise available airspace capacity. This new regulation is an important step in implementing the second package of measures of the Single European Sky project. More efficient use of airspace delivers more direct routes for flights, which reduces fuel burn and CO2 emissions.

Ian Godden, Chairman of A|D|S, said:

“The significant improvement in fuel efficiency and the accompanying reduction in carbon dioxide emissions that can be delivered by better Air Traffic Management has been estimated at 12 per cent. Therefore, this is an important next step to a more efficient air-traffic management system in Europe. We welcome this announcement and encourage the EU to move faster towards delivering what is a ‘quick win’ in terms of cutting carbon emissions.

“The segregated management of airspace being progressively addressed by the EU via the Single European Sky programme has long been an issue for aviation and provides a significant opportunity for reducing the environmental impact of aircraft operations within Europe. Today’s announcement is a step in the right direction but we urge all sides to move more quickly.”