ACI Media Press Release Archives (2005)

"Environment is part of mainstream politics today. This first Aviation & Environment Summit is our opportunity to get ahead of the ball on designing cost-effective and equitable environmental measures. Cooperation will be the key to success."

Aaronson is positive about the industry's ability to react. Recent airport, airline and manufacturer successes have ensured more efficient fuel consumption while reducing noise and emissions. "Although the aviation world has not been complacent, our progress has not always been recognized. Clearly we must better inform the general public about our successful efforts and our commitment to further progress."

ACI's latest global forecast shows annual airport passenger growth running at over 4 percent and freight at 5.4 percent through 2020. This means airports must reconcile two pressing business issues: infrastructure expansion to meet escalating demand and increasingly stringent environmental mandates.

Members of ACI are committed to solutions that target the International Civil Aviation Organization's objectives on climate change and a balanced approach to noise management. Airports insist that reduction of noise and emissions "at source" is the most effective way to make progress. Working together, airports and airlines can more effectively limit noise and emissions on the ground, as well as tackling specific environmental concerns such as energy savings, on-site recycling, de-icing, and waste product disposal.

"Strengthened industry coordination is essential for minimizing our industry's environmental impact. Our success will grow from existing best practices and joint action areas initiated at this conference. On-going commitment to consultation, consensus building and coordination are our best assurance for real and timely results," said Aaronson.

Notes:
1. The Aviation and Environment Summit was co-organized by the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), Airports Council International (ACI), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the International Coordinating Council of Aerospace Industries Associations (ICCAIA) and the Civil Air Navigation Services Organization (CANSO) on 17-18 March in Geneva , Switzerland . The official Summit website is www.environment.aero.

2. For further information, please contact Nancy Gautier, ACI : +41 22 717 8585 or by email ngautier@aci.aero.