Authoritative Report from IBA examines environmental issues in aviation
Environmental issues have a huge impact on the aviation industry and it has done a great deal to address one of the main ones: noise. But there are many other environmental factors particularly relating to un-burnt hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) that are increasingly of concern. IBA has written an authoritative report examining all the topics and arguments that pertain to the environmental issue in today's aviation industry and Ross Elliott, Publications Executive, highlights some of the key areas:
'A vast amount of time, regulation and investment have gone into aircraft noise emissions. Both airframe and engine manufacturers have had no choice but to work closely on reducing decibel outputs. The results are staggering -all as a result of Stage 2/Stage 3 noise regulations, and clever hush-kitting/aerodynamic modifications for certain aircraft types. In IBA’s view nobody can accuse the commercial engine and airframe manufacturers of not doing enough to address noise issues. But such is the “big brother” eye of politicians, environmental lobbyists, regulatory bodies, call them what you may – and a great deal of clout they have too – that when it comes to noise, the aerospace industry will not stop here, it will have to make further improvements'
The IBA 'Environmental Report' covers aviation emissions through time, promising new engine technology, average emissions per passenger jet aircraft, global Western built aircraft emissions, aviation emissions in 2026 and much, much more. As Ross Elliott explains:
'Apart from noise, is the aviation industry doing enough to address the hot potato issues of HC, CO and NOx? Here are some thought provoking statistics: Twelve percent of the transport industry CO2 emissions are due to the aviation industry with other modes of transport contributing the rest. European aviation accounts for 0.5% of worldwide CO2 emissions. Eighty percent of aviation’s emissions are emitted on flights over distances greater than 1,500km/900 miles where there are no practical alternatives to aviation. Carbon monoxide emissions from aviation have been reduced by over 50% in the last 40 years. Hydrocarbon emissions have been reduced by 90% in the same period. Nitrous oxide (NOX) emissions from aircraft engines have been reduced by 50% in the past 15 years.'
So where does commercial aviation and the environment come into this? To learn more and read an in-depth analysis of the latest data, scientific and industry expert opinions read the special report produced by IBA Group. Please contact: ross.elliott@ibagroup.com