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20
Jul

Industry welcomes ICAO move on emissions

IATA said it expects ICAO to fully develop a standard for carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by the end of 2013, a move that is being welcomed by airlines and industry but which so far does not seem to have prompted the European Commission (EC) to change track on its emissions trading scheme.

ICAO’s Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP) has unanimously agreed on a CO2 metric system “which characterizes the CO2 emissions for aircraft types with varying technologies,” bringing the industry one step closer to a global CO2 standard for aircraft.
ICAO Council president Roberto Kobeh González said the new CO2 metric system agreed by states, as well as intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, addresses emissions from a wide variety of aircraft on a fair and transparent basis.”

“It includes factors which account for fuselage geometry, maximum take-off weight and fuel burn performance at three different cruise conditions and is a major move forward,” González said.

“The ICAO process is working,” IATA DG and CEO Tony Tyler said. “Alongside this important progress on a CO2 standard, ICAO is also moving forward with discussions on market-based measures in time for agreement at the 2013 ICAO Assembly. Unfortunately, the insistence by the EC’s Directorate-General for Climate Action D on the unilateral and extra-territorial inclusion of international aviation in its emissions trading scheme is putting the success of this process at risk. It is a divisive scheme, forced through at a time when the global community needs to unite and deliver a global solution.”

The metric system, based on fuel burn performance at three difference cruise conditions, defines how aircraft CO2 emissions can be evaluated relevant to how each aircraft is operated, accounting for fuselage geometry and maximum takeoff weight.

“We welcome the progress ICAO/CAEP are making, because it is of utmost importance to establish the CO2 Standard as the benchmark and reference point for measuring efficiency delivered by technology,” Airbus president and CEO Fabrice Brégier said. “It underscores the importance of ICAO as the international body to lead key issues on aviation globally. This is a clear demonstration of the industry’s commitment in using technology to help the aviation sector meet its ambitious environmental goals.”

Boeing described the move as a “major milestone.” Boeing Commercial Airplanes VP environment and aviation policy Billy Glover said, “Our industry continues to advocate for global standards for aviation emissions developed through ICAO because the process works; this achievement is proof-positive.”
source:ATW, July 19, 2012