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23-Sep-2009 9:04 AM

'We must seize this chance for the planet' - British Airways Chief Executive

British Airways CEO, Willie Walsh, addressed (22-Sep-2009) the UN Leadership Forum on Climate Change, stating the upcoming Copenhagen climate change summit provides a "historic opportunity to make progress on curbing aviation's carbon emissions." Mr Walsh called on world leaders to support an unprecedented agreement between IATA, airlines, aircraft manufacturers, airports and air navigation providers that sets a target of reducing the industry's net carbon emissions by 50% by 2050. [more]

British Airways: "The forthcoming Copenhagen summit represents a historic opportunity for aviation to join the mainstream of the world's efforts to combat climate change. International aviation emissions were not included in the Kyoto Protocol 12 years ago. Now we have a chance to rectify that omission - and we must seize it. Our proposals represent the most environmentally effective and practical means of reducing aviation's carbon impact. They are the best option for the planet, and we urge the UN to adopt them," Willie Walsh, CEO. Source: British Airways, 22-Sep-2009.

Ryanair stated it backed IATA's proposals, provided it "takes into account airlines such as Ryanair that have already taken great steps to reduce emissions by running fuel-efficient aircraft" (The Guardian, 22-Sep-2009).

easyJet expressed its support for the 50% reduction target, stating it was "the right one to go after". The carrier supports absolute reduction in aircraft emissions by setting minimum guidelines for aircraft emissions standards and fiscal incentives, "rather than using offsets and buying emission permits from other sectors" (The Guardian, 22-Sep-2009).

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