The Board of Airline Representatives of Australia (BARA) today released a new policy paper, Environmentally sustainable growth, which focuses on how to improve the environmental performance of Australia’s international aviation and minimise its environmental impacts.
“Sustained growth in Australia’s international aviation means that over 500 international flights each day to and from Australia serve over 38 million international passengers annually. They also produce emissions and noise that affect the environment and community,” said Barry Abrams, Executive Director of BARA.
BARA’s three identified paths to improved environmental performance are:
• evolving aircraft technologies and air navigation services
• emissions reduction schemes
• best practice aircraft operations.
“BARA’s member airlines are investing billions of dollars in ‘new generation’ aircraft flying to and from Australia. These aircraft are 10–30% more fuel efficient and make 15% less noise than the aircraft they are replacing,” Mr Abrams said.
Emissions
Australia’s international flights are one part of a global network. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has calculated that international flights account for about 1.3% of total CO2 emissions globally. ICAO’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) aims to achieve carbon neutral growth for international flights from 2020 levels. Australia has committed to participating in CORSIA from 2021 when it’s planned to start. Greater use of ‘sustainable alternative jet fuels’, where jet fuel is derived from biomass, can also contribute towards reduced emissions.
Aircraft noise
“People living near airports or under or near busy flight paths are exposed to aircraft noise. BARA’s members know this is an important issue to communities and that the industry needs to actively participate in developing and applying ways to minimise the noise from aircraft.
“There are opportunities to make better use of new generation aircraft by enabling them to operate as efficiently and quietly as possible on approach, landing and departure. Allowing industry to efficiently manage its daily operations within overall noise objectives can also deliver better outcomes for communities and passengers.
“BARA will continue to work with all industry participants, including all levels of government, in supporting the development and implementation of frameworks to minimise the industry’s environmental impact and meet community expectations,” Mr Abrams said.
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Download the media release and policy paper here.