ICAO commitments formalised
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called for tougher environmental targets to support the aviation industry's approach to climate change.
The Association outlined four "specific actions" for governments including the adoption of new targets to stabilise and cut emissions.
It also called for emissions to be managed under a "Kyoto II" framework and new investment in aviation infrastructure.
The creation of a fiscal and legal framework to encourage the development of biofuels would also help the aviation industry to reduce emissions, IATA said.
"The aviation industry takes its environmental responsibility seriously," IATA's director general and ceo Giovanni Bisignani said.
"Our vision is for carbon-neutral growth on the way to a carbon-free future and we have challenging targets to guide us."
IATA confirmed that an industry-wide commitment to reducing emissions had been formalised in the form of a working paper.
The paper, representing much of the industry, is to be presented to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) at its climate change meeting in Montreal this week.
Commitments are expected to include a 1.5% improvement on fuel efficiency by 2020, carbon-neutral growth from 2020 onwards and a 50% cut in emissions by 2050 compared to 2005.
Mr Bisignani said: "Aviation is unique among industries. When it comes to environment, no other global industry is as united, ambitious or determined.
"Our message to governments at ICAO is simple. We need a global sectoral approach to reducing aviation emissions."
Mr Bisignani said the Association expects its members to cut its carbon emissions by 7% this year compared to 2008.
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