Green Skies

Much has been written in recent times about the need for the aviation industry to reduce emissions and pull its weight in the fight against global warming.  Australian aviation is not immune to the problem because apart for all other considerations, aviation is a global industry.

Experts say that the aviation industry currently contributes about 2% of human produced carbon dioxide released to the atmosphere.  The Australian Greenhouse Office estimates that aviation accounts for about 7% of our total transport emissions. 

It is reported that the European Union is especially keen on ambitious programs to address the problem.  One proposal is that airlines using airports located in the EU would be required to partake in an emissions trading scheme which would commence in 2012.  The United States and other countries are reported to be opposed to the plan, and there is also growing concern that the scheme may result in unintended commercial consequences. 

Biofuel has been touted as a sustainable alternative fuel.  There has been significant research activity trying to produce a fuel suitable for modern turbine engines.  Apparently ethanol and other existing Biofuel do not produce enough energy, but they do reduce carbon emissions.  Work is proceeding on producing “second generation Biofuel” suitable for aviation.

Technological advances in airframes and engines have produced substantial reductions in fuel consumption in the past four decades.  Boeing estimates that since the days of the early jet airliner, fuel consumption has been reduced by about 70%, and a further 25% reduction is proposed by 2020.

It may be time for new thinking!  New fuels are being explored and new concepts trialed.  For example, Flight International recently ran an article about the Electra electrically powered single seat aircraft which completed its maiden flight in December last year.  It also mentioned that Boeing was developing a hybrid fuel-cell/battery propulsion engine.  Whilst not suggesting that electrically or hybrid powered aircraft are the solution to the problem, it is an example of the innovation required.

Air traffic management has also contributed to fuel consumption reductions.  Direct tracking, traffic flow management, continuous descent profiles all reduce fuel consumption and emissions.  Airservices Australia is apparently developing “green approaches” to complement other initiatives to reduce fuel consumption.  

Globally, aviation is expanding at an unprecedented rate.  Airbus is reported as saying that the world’s fleet of large passenger aircraft will double in the next 20 years.  Currently, the size of the fleet is almost 15,000 aircraft.  In addition, the trend will be for larger aircraft.  Countries such as China and India are expanding, or have the potential to expand their aviation industry at an unprecedented rate. 

So what about the carbon emissions?  The answer is certainly not simple.  It is obvious that a global solution must be found to a global problem.  It appears that no one solution is the answer; rather, an integrated solution which includes technology, fuel alternatives, air traffic management, green airport management practices, and social participation is required. 

Passenger carbon taxes or airlines emissions levies are not the solution.  They may be one means of driving a solution, but they in themselves will not solve the problem. 

The 90 odd years of commercial aviation policy development, has been characterized by sectional interests, political sensitivity, commercial influence, and inconsistencies, but the industry has come a long way.  It appears that the best way to address the emissions problem is to get global consensus on a range of initiatives; to do otherwise will result in unacceptable delay in forming strategies and taking action.

“Think globally – act locally”!  So what are we doing, or can we do in Australia?  Our policy makers and industry should not be caught flat footed on this issue.  If there is nothing similar already underway, maybe a high level task force which involves relevant aviation stakeholders could be formed to explore appropriate and coordinated initiatives and opportunities.