News

The European leaders in the G8, who are currently meeting at a summit in Germany, are being pressed on the issue of creating a single European sky (SES).

Director general of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Giovanni Bisignani, says that creating an SES would help the aviation industry to reduce carbon emissions.

He is calling upon German chancellor Angela Merkel, who is currently president of the G8, to give a firm political agreement and save 12m tonnes of CO2 every year.

'The single most important step that we could take today to reduce aircraft emissions is to turn the dream of an SES into reality within five years. This would be real environmental progress - an example for your G8 partners to follow,' wrote Mr Bisignani in a letter to the German chancellor.

He had previously set the aviation industry the target of one day becoming carbon-neutral and developing an emissions-free aircraft in the next 50 years.

Mr Bisignani says that firm action on an SES is needed and called for politicians to practice what they preach.

'An SES could save up to 12m tonnes of CO2, but instead of action, we have a European circus - 15 years of talks, talks, and nothing but talks. It's time for some real results,' he said.

'Too often politicians think green and see cash. Any progress on a European emissions trading scheme must be linked to making SES a reality.'

An SES would reduce emissions by bringing together the 35 navigation service providers currently operating in Europe, reducing delays and improving effective routings.

Opodo searches thousands of flights from over 500 airlines to find the best flight deals for travellers. Find flights.

© Adfero Ltd