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Airports warn on carbon targets

Durham Tees Valley and other UK airports have issued a warning that a global deal on aviation must be agreed to meet carbon targets.

A report commissioned for the Airport Operators Association by economists has been launched in Durham by a panel of aviation and business leaders.

They are expected to say that UK-only alternative measures would deal a severe blow to passengers and the economy.

Commenting on the need to address environmental impacts within the industry, Deputy CEO of Peel Airports Group, Neil Pakey, said: “While the tax burden on aviation more than covers its environmental costs, airports need to continue to work hard with others parts of the aviation sector to realise a global deal on carbon emissions.

“The EU Emissions Trading Scheme, which aviation enters in 2012, is a hugely significant step.”

The latest Department for Transport forecasts show that by 2030, there will be passenger demand in the UK for 434 million flights, an increase of around 3% a year.

But if growth in flying was restricted to 1.5% a year - a measure touted as a UK-only measure - the report estimates that average return air fares could see a 40% rise from £258 to £360 by 2020.

AOA Chairman, Ed Anderson, said: “Aviation should be part of a low carbon future, and a global approach is needed.

“Aviation must grown sustainably, within environmental limits, and can be used to improve the performance of the wider economy by stimulating connectivity, trade and investment which creates wealth and jobs.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .