As campaign groups, governments and passenger bodies renew their calls for airlines to reduce their environmental impact, what does the future hold for the industry?
Emissions from aviation currently account for six per cent of the UK’s total carbon output; a figure that the WWF has suggested could rise to more than 50 per cent by 2050 if growth continues at its current rate.
This has led many voices in the transport sector to urge the government to forgo the intended expansion of London Heathrow Airport and instead improve the UK’s rail network.
Yet, the Campaign for Better Transport disclosed earlier this week that there is no incentive for passengers to switch from plane to train, as fares on rail journeys are so expensive.
In response to these arguments, British Airways has already pledged to half its carbon emissions by 2050, while a new industry coalition has been formed by the UK’s flag carrier and a number of prominent international airlines to construct a “fair and effective” global policy.
But which of these routes will the industry take?
Colin Matthews, chief executive of the airport operator BAA, explained earlier this month that the industry would “pay” for its environmental effects.
He said: “BAA has long argued that emissions trading represents the most environmentally and economically effective way for aviation to manage its climate impacts.”
The European Union already has plans to include the aviation industry in its trading scheme from 2012, which will apply to all planes using its airspace.
Globally this would generate around $10 billion annually, Reuters has suggested, which could be utilised for environmental and carbon sequestration projects.
Airlines are also attempting to reduce their carbon output in more innovative ways, with a number of carriers buying more efficient aircraft and Virgin Atlantic testing a biofuel blend.
Whatever occurs, these issues will remain in the public consciousness for the foreseeable future, according to the responsible travel agent i-to-i.
Bruce Haxton, operations director at the company, said: “The younger generation of this country are extremely aware and passionate about their impact, not just on the environment, but the communities they travel to and stay with and the developing world as a whole.”
