emissions

23 countries including the US have agreed to reduce aircraft CO2 emissions according to the first global emission reduction standards set by the UN’s International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

A group of 170 international experts on ICAO’s Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP) suggested the recommendations after having discussions on the issue for six years.

Once formally adopted by the ICAO Governing Council, the standards will be applicable to all small and large aircraft, as well as new plane models after 2020.

The new standards will also be applicable to currently under-production aircraft manufactured to be delivered from 2023, with a cut-off date of 2028 for aircraft that do not comply with the standard.

ICAO Council president Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu said: "It is particularly encouraging that the CAEP’s recommendation today responds so directly to the aircraft technology improvements which states have forged consensus on at recent ICAO assemblies.

"Every step taken in support of ICAO’s full basket of measures for environmental improvement is an important one, and I am sure the council will be deeply appreciative of the this latest CAEP achievement."

ICAO stated a large plane weighing more than 60t is responsible for more than 90% of international aviation emissions.

Standards recommended by the UN organisation include the widest range of emissions reduction technologies that covers all technological feasibility, emissions reduction potential, and cost considerations prevailing in the international aviation sector.

"I am pleased that ICAO reached an international consensus on a meaningful standard to foster reduction in CO2 emissions from aircraft."

Aliu added: "The goal of this process is ultimately to ensure that when the next generation of aircraft types enter service, there will be guaranteed reductions in international CO2 emissions.

"Our sector presently accounts for under two percent of the world’s annual CO2 emissions, but we also recognise that the projected doubling of global passengers and flights by 2030 must be managed responsibly and sustainably."

The White House estimated the new standards are expected to cut CO2 emissions by over 650 million tons between 2020 and 2040.

FAA administrator Michael Huerta said: "I am pleased that ICAO reached an international consensus on a meaningful standard to foster reduction in CO2 emissions from aircraft.

"We are encouraged by this success and believe it puts us on a promising path to secure a robust market-based measure later this year."

Boeing said in a statement: "We have made significant investments to improve the efficiency and environmental performance of our products and will continue to do so.

"Environmental goals are aligned with our business goals, as greater fuel efficiency and lower emissions are top priorities for our commercial customers.

"We believe the ICAO standard will have the intended results of ensuring older aircraft are replaced by newer, more efficient aircraft that will further reduce fuel use and carbon emissions."

Image: The new CO2 emissions standard will be applicable to new aircraft type designs as of 2020, as well those that will be delivered after 2023. Photo: courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net / Wagging Dog Media Limited.