Farnborough 2008 Show News - July 17, 2008 - (Page 16)

CLEAN FA R N B O R O U G H 2 0 0 8 AND GREEN Not impressed by policymakers: Tom Enders of Airbus, Marion Blakey of the Aerospace Industries Association, Scott Carson of Boeing, Colin Smith of Rolls-Royce. Industry Panel Slams Emissions Policies is because airlines have had some success in educating the public. BA and Rolls-Royce are offering a joint tender to test alternative fuels. Selected suppliers will provide enough fuel for laboratory tests and a full range of testing on an engine test bed. Results should be available early next year. Like other airlines, BA supports emissions trading in principle, but he “has serious reservations” about the emissions trading scheme proposed by EU. “I doubt whether any thought was given to the impact on airlines,” he said. It “Governments think green, but see threatens to become bogged down in legal chalcash,” Bisignani believes. “The only time lenges. Walsh is also highly critical of the UK government’s plan for additional passenger you see governments acting fast [on duties. environmental issues] is when they are Airbus CEO Tom Enders noted that taxes don’t make aircraft more efficient or upgrade lining their own pockets with taxes.” fuel efficiency. In fact, they have the opposite —Giovanni Bisignani, director general, IATA effect because such taxes mean less money will be available to airlines to replace aging and lessATA director general Giovanni Bisignani particular is “on its knees” at the moment, and efficient aircraft. Colin Smith, director of engineering and techbelieves the industry is in accord regarding envi- big changes are likely. However, when the ronmental issues. “No other industry is as united, industry emerges from the current crisis, it will nology for Rolls-Royce, stressed there are many responsible or ambitious” in its approach to emis- “leave behind in the desert its less fuel-efficient complicated trade-offs in engine development, and “if we don’t have regulasion reduction, he said. Bisignani noted that aircraft.” tors that understand that, they Blakey said efforts to address aviairlines already have a massive incentive to can do some incredibly stupid increase fuel efficiency—the industry’s projected ation emissions “have got to be global things.” While Rolls and other fuel bill this year. If oil remains at $135/barrel it in scope,” and policy can’t be made manufacturers “are not pleadwill total $190 billion. Next year it could go on a parochial or piecemeal basis. ing for money,” long-term Real progress will only come through beyond $250 billion, he said. incentives will help to create Bisignani was scathing in his assessment of a global commitment and linked environmental solutions. governments’ “rush to implement economic efforts, she said. Boeing Commercial AirBritish Airways CEO Willie Walsh penalties” for aircraft emissions. He highlighted planes head Scott Carson said the EU proposals to include airlines in an emis- noted it is the airlines, rather than he and Airbus’ Enders are in sions trading scheme—“Europe has failed to equipment manufacturers that are in understand that it can’t make global policy the front line when it comes to pub- British Airways’ Willie Walsh. such accord on this issue that alone.” Similarly, the UK government’s proposed lic criticism of aviation’s environmental impact. they “could deliver each other’s speeches.” air passenger duty is a “big embarrassment” for The debate on this issue has been “more intense” However, communicating the industry’s case to in the UK than in any other country, Walsh said, the public needs to improve.” We’ve got to stop that country. “Governments think green, but see cash,” although the tone of the coverage is “maybe talking to ourselves … and reach out to the Bisignani believes. “The only time you see gov- not as hysterical” as it was 12 months ago. That general public.” —Adrian Schofield Leading aviation figures speaking on a panel at the Farnborough Air Show yesterday stressed the progress they are making to reduce emissions, as well as their frustration at government efforts on this front. Boeing Commercial Airplanes head Scott Carson captured the general mood when he noted that “we can tax this industry into oblivion and damage the global economy—and accomplish nothing” to help the environment. ernments acting fast [on environmental issues] is when they are lining their own pockets with taxes.” Marion Blakey, president of the Aerospace Industries Association of America, said technology advances will be the “workhorse” of aviation emissions reductions. Manufacturers have a “terrific track record” in this regard, and the industry has “no intention of resting on its laurels.” She noted that the U.S. airline industry in 16 July 17, 2008 www.aviationweek.com/shownews http://www.aviationweek.com/shownews

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