A global scheme for aviation emissions provides a better deal than US and EU cap-and-trade systems
Wed 19 Aug 2009 - Airlines around the globe are scrambling to put together monitoring plans in preparation for the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) starting in 2012. The good news is that under the US cap-and-trade Waxman-Markey bill, which would set up a national market for pollution permits in 2012, carriers flying to, from and within the United States will not need to bother with monitoring plans. In fact, under the draft American Clean Energy and Security Act, aviation is not directly included in the cap-and-trade scheme. The bad news, according to Etienne Gabel of ICF International/SH&E, is the cost of the scheme to the aviation industry is not likely to be any cheaper than the EU ETS. Read more ...
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Targeting airspace efficiency: how air traffic management can play its part in reducing aviation emissions
Thu 9 Apr 2009 - Emissions reductions are firmly on the agenda for the UNFCCC Copenhagen talks at the end of this year and aviation is expected to be included. The Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO) is playing its part by targeting airspace efficiency and, therefore, reducing airline fuel burn. On average, air traffic management (ATM) is currently 92-94 percent efficient overall and the goal is to reach 96 percent by 2050. Chris Goater explains why this seemingly modest target is highly challenging and both technically and politically difficult. Read more ...
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Poor management and over optimistic yield forecasts are causing jatropha to become the biofuel blunder crop
Wed 8 Apr 2009 - Jatropha and camelina have become well-known sources of jet biofuel, featuring in the recent demonstration flights that have taken place around the world. Jim Lane, editor of the respected US online publication Biofuels Digest, takes a look at these crops and finds that jatropha, initially described as a 'wonder' crop, has become more of a 'blunder' crop as a result of poor management and over-inflated yield forecasts. Camelina, on the other hand, is showing itself to have a promising potential as a biofuel feedstock although the sector is still in its infancy. Read more ...
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British Airways sets off towards its destination of becoming the world's most responsible airline
Mon 19 Jan 2009 - Once promoting itself as the world's favourite airline, British Airways has launched a new, no-less ambitious campaign that aims to position it as the world's most responsible airline. The One Destination programme is the outcome of a year-long strategic review by the corporate responsibility team set up by CEO Willie Walsh. British Airways' Head of Environment, Jonathon Counsell, outlines the airline's environmental objectives to GreenAir Online's editor Christopher Surgenor. Read more ...
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Affected airlines must factor in many uncertain issues as they plan for inclusion into the EU ETS
Thu 18 Sept 2008 - Although aviation's inclusion into the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme is now a formaility, there is uncertainty on the levels of capping and auctioning from 2013 as Europe may seek to tighten current proposals. There is also the possibility of legal action by non-EU countries with airlines that fly to Europe, angered by their unilateral inclusion into the scheme. However, Miles Austin warns the industry to avoid a wait-and-see attitude and start preparations now. Read more ...
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