Commercial aviation accounts for only 2 percent of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the United States and 3 percent worldwide. This is a remarkably small portion of global GHG emissions, especially given that commercial aviation drives a much larger percentage of U.S. and global economic activity.
ATA member airlines have a longstanding commitment to improving fuel efficiency, and therefore, reducing their carbon footprint. Since 1978, ATA airlines have improved fuel efficiency by 110 percent, which has resulted in significant reductions of carbon dioxide (CO2).
The ATA member airlines continue their strong commitment to protecting the environment, improving efficiency, and reducing GHG emissions. Our commitment, which supports a global sectoral approach to aviation climate change policy under the International Civil Aviation Organization and promotes critical technology, air traffic control, energy and infrastructure advances, is spelled out in the following papers: The Air Transport Association Climate Change Commitment: A Global, Sectoral Approach and 21st Century Aviation: A Commitment to Technology, Energy and Climate Solutions.
Legislation and Regulatory Developments
ATA and our member airlines are actively participating in international, federal, and local efforts to address climate change. We support efforts that will assist ATA member airlines to continue to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions through technology advances, while ensuring that airlines will continue to be a safe and economically beneficial mode of transportation.
Testimony
Ø June 2009 - ATA Testifies on Climate Change Commitments. The airline industry provides concrete suggestions for ways Congress can work towards enhancing engery independence and environmental protection, while ensuring that the economy gets back on track.
Ø June 2008 - Climate Change Impacts on the Transportation Sector. ATA Executive Vice President and COO John Meenan testifies before the Senate Commerce Committee.
Ø May 2008 – Aviation and the Environment. ATA President and CEO Jim May testifies before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Aviation Subcommittee on the industry's strong environmental performance and plans for further enhancing airline efforts to protect the environment.
Ø April 2008 – Commercial Carriers' Climate Change Commitment. ATA President and CEO Jim May testifies before the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, regarding the industry’s strong environmental performance and plans for further enhancing airline efforts to protect the environment.
Ø May 2007 – President and CEO Jim May on Climate Change. ATA President and CEO Jim May testifies on climate change before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.