John Leahy, chief operating officer customers, is effectively sales director Airbus and has probably sold more aircraft in the history of commercial aviation, certainly in terms of the airline currency of dollars, than anyone. Before joining Airbus in August 1994, he held a similar position at Piper, the US general aviation manufacturer, whose six passenger Navajo was a big selling model. It was stretched. The Piper Navajo Chieftain went up to eight pax. John could fly the piston engined twin. He is not checked out on the A380. John here discusses civil aviation, as he says ”an easy and visible target in the debate on climate change."
The aviation industry has been an easy and visible target in the debate on climate change, yet the facts say otherwise.
Don't take my word for it, listen to the world's foremost experts on the subject. The United Nation's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) say that worldwide, aviation accounts for around 2% of global man-made CO2 emissions and that even at present growth rates, it'll rise to around 3% by 2050.
That's not to say we're complacent. The aviation industry has made great leaps in addressing environmental concerns. Aircraft being produced today are 70% more fuel efficient than 40 years ago. CO2 emissions are 70% less than 40 years ago. In addition, today's aircraft are quieter and the noise disturbance for those living around airports is 75% less than 40 years ago.
Despite these impressive environmental gains we're not about to stop looking for further improvements. Addressing climate change is important for all of us, including the aviation industry. It's a business imperative to make the most efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft that technology allows - otherwise our customers wouldn't buy our products.
Take our Airbus A380, the worlds most modern and green passenger aircraft flying today. This aircraft really is a "gentle green giant" and the aircraft for the 21st century. It brings together the most advanced design, aerodynamics, modern materials and latest technology available anywhere in the world, all in one aircraft, to deliver an aircraft that responds to today's concerns.
The A380 is the world's most fuel-efficient large aircraft flying today and for the immediate future. It consumes 2.9 litres of fuel per passenger per 100km, making it as fuel efficient as a small modern family car. Put this into context - today's average world fleet consumes about 5 litres of fuel per passenger per 100km and won't approach the efficiency levels of the A380 before 2025. So the A380 is 20 years ahead of the pack.
The A380 is the quietest large aircraft flying today and complies with the world's strictest noise regulations in place at London's Heathrow airport. For take off the A380 has a noise Quota Count of QC1 and on landing, a staggeringly low QC0.5.
What are the other environmental benefits? With its superior passenger carrying capacity, the A380 allows airlines to move more passengers without increasing the number of flights. These flights would in addition be much quieter which is a particular consideration for airports around the world close to large populations such as London's Heathrow.
In a globalised world there is often no practical alternative to flying. This is also true in some countries like India and China where distances are huge. Building roads and railways isn't always possible and these also have an environmental cost which is often overlooked. Aviation is contained within airports and while these can be large, they consume far less land than roads and railways. As far as aviation noise goes, this is concentrated at airports rather than all along the entire length of the road and rail.
Today we have the A380 and soon after we'll also have the A350 XWB which will take fuel efficiency a step further. Technology will drive aircraft fuel efficiency and no one can be 100% certain what the future will bring. What we are certain of though, is that Airbus will remain at the forefront of innovation and technology. Our industry needs to be environmentally sustainable, and we'll continue in this mission.
John Leahy
chief operating officer customers