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. In this regard, the ATA airlines have committed to a multi-faceted approach to reduce the impacts of aviation on climate change. These steps include:
Ø A commitment to achieve at least a 30 percent improvement in fuel efficiency from 2005 levels by 2025.
Ø A commitment to support the development of environmentally friendly alternative fuels. ATA is a founding member of the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI), which is working to hasten the production and use of more environmentally friendly alternative fuels.
Ø A commitment to making technological, operational and infrastructure improvements to reduce GHG emissions.
Ø Supporting the Federal Aviation Administration’s Next Generation Air Transportation System initiative that will modernize the air traffic management system in the U.S. and increase the fuel efficiency with more direct routes and fewer delays.
Ø Working with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) on next steps for addressing climate change at an international level.
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 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.
Fact Sheets
Ø Commercial Aviation’s Environmental Efforts
Ø Why One-Size-Fits-All Cap-and-Trade Legislation Does not Fit Aviation
Ø Debunking Aviation’s Environmental Myths