"Old smokers" should be grounded - Harrison
Easyjet's ceo Andy Harrison is demanding new government legislation to stop airlines flying old, inefficient aircraft.
Under the low cost airline's proposals, from 2015 all new aircraft would have to meet a minimum standard of fuel efficiency and from 2030 all inefficient aircraft would be grounded.
Mr Harrison said: "If we get cleaner aircraft and ground the old smokers we can reduce the industry's overall emissions and tackle climate change head on.
"We need tough legislation on emissions standards."
Under his proposals, airlines would not be allowed to add any new aircraft that did not meet the new minimum standard by 2024.
This minimum standard in fuel efficiency would encourage manufacturers to deliver the next generation of cleaner and more fuel efficient aircraft sooner, said Mr Harrison.
"The pressure from climate change needs to be brought to bear on the industry... on the manufacturers.
"Unless we put pressure on manufacturers we will not get the next generation."
The minimum standards in fuel efficiency should run alongside taxes and charges, such as the planned European Union Emissions Trading Scheme.
But, taxation is not enough on its own to reduce the effects of aviation on climate change, said Mr Harrison.
"I can't think of any other way to have an impact on carbon emissions from the source.
"We should force manufacturers to deliver the technology by specific dates and force airlines to use them."
In the mean time, airlines should be flying as efficiently as possible with the current technology, said Mr Harrison.
Easyjet's fleet is on average 3.5 years old, with a high average passenger load of 80%, which Mr Harrison argues makes flying Easyjet a greener option than traditional airlines.
"Climate change is a clear and present danger. Aviation needs to play its role and be seen to play its role," he said.
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