Gas Guzzlers
I was very interested to hear that Airbus believe the new A380 will be in service for fifty years.
Air transport is the fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions. The world's fleet has doubled fuel efficiency over the past 30 years but global air traffic has quadrupled since 1970 to some 1500 billion passenger miles a year and is projected to double or triple by 2050.
The IGPCC forecast a 487% increase in carbon dioxide emissions from global aviation between 1992 and 2050.
Short haul flights of less than 350 miles produces around three times more CO2 per passenger than rail traffic.
The average jet emits around one tonne of carbon dioxide for every passenger it carries from LHR to JFK - one return flight produces more carbon dioxide than a year of driving an average sized car.
The scientific community now believe it is a case of 'WHEN' not 'IF'
we experience climate change and other environmental problems brought about by 'greenhouse gas' emissions.
The conclusions:
1) Air travel leaves a heavy carbon 'footprint' which the aircraft manufacturers must reduce efficiently and quickly.
2) To do this an alternative to kerosene based fuel must be found.
3) The next twenty years will be crucial to the future of air travel as we know it.
4) Politicians and the leaders in our industry will have to address some difficult issues BUT do they have the foresight and will to do it?