The aeronautical industry must conduct joint efforts to become a more eco-friendly activity

The aeronautical industry must conduct joint efforts to become a more eco-friendly activity, writes Thomas Enders in a comment piece for Cinco Dias. Air transport contributed to making the modern world as it is, while helping emerging countries to develop. The continuous improvements in efficiency also largely participated to reducing the sector’s environmental impact. In the past 40 years, points out Mr Enders, fuel consumption has been cut by 70%. Similarly, noise has been down by more than 20 decibels, or more than 75%. Nevertheless, the public opinion remains convinced today that the aviation industry does not make enough efforts to participate in the global environmental push to curb climate warming, regrets the Airbus CEO. Air traffic is forecasted to grow 5% annually over the next 20 years. In the meantime, CO2 emissions related to air transport should rise from 2% today to 3% of total emissions in 2050. Mr Enders argues that, though these figures can seem small enough, it is necessary to take further action to reduce those emissions. “The environmental issue clearly is our ultimate and biggest challenge in the long term”, writes Mr Enders. In this light, it is necessary identifying, anticipating and managing the expectations of society. Most importantly, the aviation industry must face this challenge together, the same way it once tackled other issues, for instance security. Mr Enders cites several research projects already on track to produce more efficient technologies. As far as Airbus is concerned, the company is convinced its efforts are going to pay off in the long term. Cinco Dias (15/05)