SINGAPORE (Thomson Financial) - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has defended the air transport industry against criticism that it is major contributor of carbon dioxide emissions.
Andrew Drysdale, vice president of IATA, admitted that the industry played a major role in climate change, but said that it accounted for only 2 pct of CO2 emissions.
Drysdale rejected recent press criticism that airlines are the greatest polluter, arguing instead that electricity consumption and heat production account for 35 pct of CO2 emissions.
However, he admitted that the 2 pct accounted for by airlines could rise as a result of the increase in air transportation, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, and that action needed to be taken to combat this.
Drysdale also highlighted the improved fuel efficiency of the latest generation of aircraft, which enable airlines to reduce emissions per passenger kilometre. tf.TFN-Europe_newsdesk@thomson.com afp/vlb/jsa COPYRIGHT Copyright AFX News Limited 2007. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of AFX News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of AFX News.