The recent Business Travel Show here in Dubai was a timely reminder of the invaluable contribution air travel makes to the growth of the global economy. However, as the airline industry expands to fuel that growth, it has to ensure that it minimises the environmental effects of that expansion.In recent months, the airline industry has become a ”whipping boy”. It is maligned for a much greater proportion of environmental impact than it”s actually responsible for, and no account is taken of the many things the industry has done to improve its environmental record.
So it's vital that we set the record straight.
Since the introduction of jet aircraft, we've seen a 70 per cent improvement in relative fuel use per seat. The Airbus A380, of which we have 58 on order, is an environmentally-friendly aircraft, burning 12 per cent less fuel, and with a noise footprint just 46 per cent of that of the Boeing 747-400.
Between 1957 and 2007, the fuel burn per unit of payload has reduced by 65 per cent. The Airbus A380, and the Boeing 777-300ER, fast becoming the largest aircraft type in our fleet, lead the way and the we believe there will be a further 20 per cent improvement by 2015 with the advent of new aircraft such as the A350-XWB, of which we have recently ordered 70 (with options for a further 50).
It”s worth noting that aviation is starting to outstrip other forms of passenger transport ” the A380 generates 80g of CO2 per passenger km, whilst the EU car manufacturer”s target is to achieve 140g per passenger km by 2009 ” a sobering thought when you consider that the Chinese bought over 7 million new cars last year.
The volatility in fuel prices in recent years has caused pain, but also driven efficiency. As many airlines accept this new paradigm in fuel prices, so they seek greater efficiencies to offset these additional costs, making them more robust. This is evident in the resilience of the industry, which has absorbed this tripling of fuel prices ” an event that would have undoubtedly caused an industry recession in the past.
I believe it”s crucial that the industry continues to demonstrate how airlines are taking practical measures to limit CO2 emissions, not only to meet our environmental responsibilities but also our business objectives. These environmental responsibilities should be met through voluntary agreements and industry best practices, or in conjunction with industry platforms such as ACARE or ICAO.
At Emirates, we are also playing our part in managing our CO2 emissions through a range of different measures including retiring older aircraft, investing in a modern, fuel-efficient fleet (the Boeing 777, the Airbus A380 and A350), maximising the efficiencies of using a single mega-hub, investing in energy efficient plants and buildings, pursuing the development of more fuel efficient routings, working with various ATC authorities to improve air traffic flow management, moving towards 100% e-ticketing, reducing weight on our aircraft, and working closely with manufacturers to develop the next generation of aircraft.
If the airline industry is to continue to be the engine room of global economic growth, whilst continually taking proactive measures to improve its environmental performance, it”s essential that policy makers take a balanced approach to environmental policy, and the link between environment and aviation.
Whilst the aviation sector currently accounts for 2 per cent of emissions, a figure that realistically will only rise to around 3 per cent by 2030, current EU figures show the maritime sector contributing 4 per cent, cars and vans 16 per cent, and power generation 51 per cent. Further afield, China and India are building 650 coal-fired power plants, the combined CO2 emissions of which are five times the total saving of the Kyoto accords.
My point is that each industry must fairly share its responsibility in the fight against climate change. Furthermore, rather than introducing punitive legislation that will be difficult to implement let alone enforce, policy makers should review current legislation to correct the many inefficiencies they contain.
Air Traffic Control is a good example of this ” if governments can be convinced to restructure their ATC systems and allow airlines to use air corridors that are meaningful, then we could see a 20 per cent reduction in fuel usage. Technology has a major role to play in this, and other areas, and policy makers should be looking to put in place more efficient R&D and investment in technology.
I”m hugely optimistic about the future of our industry ” these are exciting times as the global economic landscape continues to change rapidly. It”s important, though, that the environmental challenges we face are addressed head on, helping to ensure a balanced approach to policy, so that we can actively contribute to the fight against climate change whilst playing an integral role in global economic growth.