Airlines are carbon efficient - Air Transport Association

The Air Transport Association (ATA) has assured Congress that the nation's airlines are committed to continuing their efforts to become more carbon efficient.

Addressing the US House of Representatives Committee on Transportation, James C May, the airline trade association's President and Chief Executive, explained the industry's progress so far: "US airlines have made enormous strides in increasing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions - unrelenting carbon-efficient improvement is business as usual for commercial airlines."

May pointed out that just 2 percent of domestic greenhouse gas emissions are the result of commercial aviation industry activity, which drives $3.4 billion of economic movement daily.

"Commercial airlines are extremely carbon efficient," May insisted, revealing that the industry has achieved a 35 percent improvement in fuel efficiency in the past six years.

Further progress, however, is dependent on government support for initiatives such as updated air traffic control systems.

Resultant direct routes would serve to improve fuel efficiency as well as passenger experience, May said, adding: "We are asking you to work with us in addressing these environmental and energy concerns."

Airlines' carbon reduction programs have so far involved upgrading fleets with new and more fuel-efficient aircraft such as Next-Generation Boeing 737s and new Embraer models and carbon off-setting initiatives.

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