Airframes, airlines, airports—the AAA approach supplements engine manufacturers’ initiatives to curb aviation’s adverse impact on the environment

The spotlight of environmental concerns invariably encompasses the world of aviation, an industry perceived as a major contributor in aggravating the problems connected with carbon dioxide emissions. Media hue and cry over deteriorating environment has perennially targeted air transport as the key polluter of the Earth’s atmosphere. While the jury is still out on the validity of that allegation, in air transportation, perception has inexplicably scored over hard facts, not surprising given the sector’s high visibility which fans such illusory and pre-conceived notions. Misconceptions apart, it goes to the credit of the entire aviation industry, specially the civil aviation sector, for taking on the challenge of reducing greenhouse gases with the utmost sincerity it deserves.

Two years ago—on September 27, 2006, to be precise—Chairman of Virgin Atlantic Sir Richard Branson had called upon the global aviation industry to develop a shared solution to the growing issue of climate change. He urged other airlines, engine and aircraft manufacturers, and airport operators to unanimously support a new cross-industry forum that will help deliver practical ways of tackling climate change. Committing Virgin Group’s plans to invest $3 billion (Rs 13,300 crore) in related initiatives, he said: We need to accelerate the pace at which we reduce aviation’s impact on the environment. We cannot ignore that aviation does create environmental problems even though only 2 per cent of global CO2 emissions; although equally, it produces significant economic and social benefits (8 per cent of the world’s GDP).

GREEN AVIATION: THE GOALS

Spurred by environmental concerns and relentlessly rising fuel costs, jet engine manufacturers have already embarked upon developing ‘green’ engines that reduce emissions and noise pollution. Next-generation concepts, such as open rotor and embedded engines, to boost efficiency and reduce noise are all being aggressively pursued. But today’s new engines, such as the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000, the General Electric GEnx and the Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan, already claim advances in environment-friendly technologies. The Advisory Council for Aeronautics Research in Europe (ACARE), an organisation comprising around 40 members including government agencies and private companies like the engine-maker Rolls Royce, has set goals for its members to achieve the following by 2020 compared with the baseline year of 2000:

• 50 per cent reduction in fuel burn and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per passenger kilometre;

• 80 per cent reduction in nitrogen oxide (NOx); and

• 50 per cent reduction in the perceived external noise.