Air Group Pushes Environmental Programs

IATA appointed Paul Steele to direct its environmental initiatives. Its strategy is built on four elements: investment in new technology, environmentally efficient infrastructure, improved operations based on industry best practice, and economic measures that provide effective incentives to improve environmental performance.

Steele, formerly with WWF International, said, “Business must be actively engaged in building a sustainable future for our planet. Air transport faces many environmental opportunities. The combination of more effective operations, efficient infrastructure, best practices, and investment in new technology can pave the way to a greener future.”

In 2006, IATA efforts helped reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 15 million tonnes, said Bisignani. Though IATA offered no comment on the positive effects for the industry itself, the cost savings and improved efficiency should be welcomed by the airlines.