01337497

Component

In Europe, long term aviation growth is forecast and the pressure on the industry manage its environmental impact will increase. An international consultation exercise was undertaken among aviation stakeholders to determine their perspectives on the industry’s environmental impact, in addition to mitigation, the regulatory framework, barriers to change and industry best practice. In total 37 senior management stakeholder representatives from 9 European countries, including airlines, airports, air navigation service providers and regulators were interviewed using a semi structured approach. Most stakeholders cited efficiencies, research and development and airspace reform as being the main industry mitigation strategies. However many stakeholders were critical of each other, regulators, policymakers and the slow pace of reform. A small number of respondents demonstrated independent and critical analysis of the environmental challenges facing the industry, pointing to resources and politics as the fundamental barriers to change. They believed mandatory targets were essential, a more coordinated environmental policy response was needed at a European level and a change in mindset was required from many stakeholders. Given the traffic projections, if the industry is unable to sufficiently mitigate its environmental impact, including climate change, policymakers may be forced to devise yet more unpopular regulation for the industry.

01329018

11-1748

English

17p

2011

Transportation Research Board 90th Annual Meeting

DVD

Maps (1) ; References (44) ; Tables (2)

Air transportation policy; Airlines; Best practices; Civil aviation; Climate change; Environmental impacts; Environmental policy; Policy making; Regulatory reform; Stakeholders

Europe

Aviation; Environment; Policy; I15: Environment

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 2011 Paper #11-1748

TRIS, TRB

Feb 17 2011 5:54PM