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Latest News

   

Summaries of, and links to, the latest aviation news stories appear below. News is archived into topics

For a daily compilation of UK articles on national and regional transport issues, see  Transportinfo.org.uk  

For more stories about specific airports see     Aviation Environment Federation
Transport & Environment
Anna Aero  TravelMole   Press releases from CAA IATA  BA  Ryanair easyJet  Jet2.com For climate change ECEEE news and Guardian Climate and NoAA monthly analysisCheck Hansard for reports on Parliament

Latest news stories:

Durham Tees Valley to cut operating hours and jobs after 53% drop in passengers in 2009

Date added: 10 January, 2010

Durham Tees Valley Airport is cutting staff and operating hours passengers collapsed by 53% last year to 306,323    due to the economic downturn. Peel Group Holdings said the moves were needed to ‘create financial stability’ in the current tough economic times for the aviation industry. The airport will close overnight. Up to 32  jobs would go with the remaining 143 staff being trained to do additional jobs. (UK Airport News)

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The end of consumerism: Our way of life is ‘not viable’ says Worldwatch

Date added: 10 January, 2010

A report from the Washington-based Worldwatch Institute, entitled "State of the World 2010" says we in the West will need to make sacrifices and changes to our way of life if we are to survive climate change. The report says wholesale transformation of dominant cultural patterns are needed, which include rejecting consumerism... and establish in its place a new cultural framework centred on sustainability. Changes to travel - and plane travel are needed.

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Can the aviation industry ever be green? – from Green Futures

Date added: 8 January, 2010

Britain can meet its stretching emissions reduction targets and still keep flying. That, at least, is the view of Ed Miliband echoed in a report by the Committee on Climate Change.   How? By holding aviation emissions no higher than their current level – and cutting the carbon from everything else we do by 90%. Demand reduction isn't really in the lexicon of the aviation industry. There would be an incentive if governments grasped the nettle and started taxing aviation fuel.

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New talks on Robin Hood Airport night flight plans

Date added: 8 January, 2010

New talks will be held over proposals to loosen restrictions on night flying, after the airport re-submitted a consultation document to Doncaster Council’s planning department to modify the night flying restrictions imposed on them this week. Peel Airports has submitted revised consultation documents that replace the documents put forward in January last year. Currently a ban exists on QC4 aircraft flying in and out of the airport at night.

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Medway Council says Thames airport ‘completely wrong’

Date added: 8 January, 2010

Plans by London's mayor Boris Johnson  to build an airport on an artificial island in the Thames estuary have been branded "pie in the sky" by Medway Council.   A feasibility review approved by the council's cabinet says  the plan is "completely wrong".   The airport would be some 60 miles from London and like moving Manchester Airport to Leeds.   Medway's research indicates severe risk of bird strikes and     be very damaging to migrating birds. (BBC)

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High Court Gives Fight the Flights Green Light to Judicial Review on London City Airport Expansion

Date added: 7 January, 2010

The High Court has granted permission for Fight the Flights to take their legal challenge against Newham Council to a full hearing in the High Court. The Judicial Review will look at the legality of Newham Council's decision to approve the expansion of London City Airport.  The Court granted permission to proceed on all  3 limbs of FtF’s case, saying that all aspects of the case were properly arguable. The 3 points are that Newham failed to take account of climate change, failed to consult neighbouring local authorities, and also their residents.

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Staff to go at East Midlands Airport

Date added: 6 January, 2010

East Midlands Airport has announced that staff will be made redundant due to fewer flights and a reduced number of passengers travelling from the airport.    Up to 30 security workers could lose their jobs.    Unite has said it will work to ensure as few people as possible are laid off. G4S Aviation Services is  the organisation responsible for the employing the staff.

 

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Southend council tax up almost 4% – with 2 million to be spend on roads near airport

Date added: 5 January, 2010

Families in Southend face another council tax rise of 3.95 % over the coming year.   The increase equates to 82p per week more for an average Band D property or £43 a year - rising from £1,086 to £1,129.   About £2m will be spent on improved roads around the airport - which is planning a runway extension, connected to the Olympics. (Echo)

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Bournemouth Airport to install noise monitoring equipment in homes

Date added: 5 January, 2010

People living near Bournemouth Airport will be able to have noise monitoring equipment installed at their homes in a bid to minimise disturbance.   The airport plans to collect data from a number of locations, including on a regular basis to see what impact the airport is having on its neighbours. A mobile noise monitoring station will also be moved around the area. Other changes also emerge from the Noise Action Plan consultation. (UK Airport News)

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Rail boom forecast as travellers tire of airport scan queues

Date added: 5 January, 2010

The introduction of additional security measures at British airports will lead to a surge in demand on the railways because passengers will no longer be prepared to wait, it has been claimed. This could significantly increase journey times as passengers queue to go through the detectors.   That could lead to frequent flyers, particularly business travellers, deciding to opt for the train for domestic and shorthaul European flights.   Video-conferencing could also become more popular. (Scotsman)

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Consumer Hell – How do we break a system which now permeates every aspect of our lives?

Date added: 4 January, 2010

"All the evidence shows that beyond the sort of standard of living which Britain has now achieved, extra growth does not automatically translate into human welfare and happiness" said Lord Turner. Progress is measured by the speed at which we destroy the conditions which sustain life. Governments are deemed to succeed by how well they make money go round, regardless of useful purpose. We are immersed in a consumer ethos. So how do we break this system?

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IATA passenger figures for the global aviation industry for November

Date added: 30 December, 2009

IATA figures for international scheduled air traffic show passenger demand was up by 2.1% compared to November 2008 - but it is still 6% below the peak in early 2008 - and it is down 0.7% compared to October 2009.   In Europe, passengers were down -3% on Nov 2008. Compared to last November, European carriers have cut capacity by 3.9%. Passenger load factor remain  at 75.4%.  

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London City Airport deny Redbridge council non-consultation claims

Date added: 30 December, 2009

Details have emerged of opportunities missed by Redbridge Council to consult its constituents on plans for a 50% expansion of flights at London City Airport.    A letter was  written by Richard Gooding - chief Executive of London City Airport - to Redbridge Council leader stating that the authority was notified about, or offered access to, information about the airport's plans on no fewer than three occasion since 2006. (UK Airport News)

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BA ready to jettison a global first-class service

Date added: 28 December, 2009

British Airways is on the verge of abandoning a first-class service on a number of its routes in the face of ever-rising standards of luxury offered by rivals. Several Middle Eastern and Asian market carriers, including Singapore, Emirates, Etihad and Jet, are lifting the first-class standard to feature individual cabins with sliding doors for privacy, double beds, giant flat-screen TVs and expensive leather upholstery. Some new BA planes may not have a first class cabin.   (Times)

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Glasgow airport plans expansion

Date added: 28 December, 2009

Glasgow airport has announced a £25m expansion plan to improve facilities over the next two years.   Planned developments include improving the airport road system, a new food court, a new runway lighting system and upgrades to the airfield taxiway.   The airport will invest £12m in 2010, followed by a further £13m in 2011.   In 2014 Glasgow hosts the Commonwealth Games.   (BBC)

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Detroit airliner incident ‘was failed bomb attack’

Date added: 26 December, 2009

An incident on an airliner arriving in Detroit from Amsterdam was a failed bomb attack.   The device  found on Nigerian, Mr Abdulmutallab, contained the high explosive PETN. This  was the substance used in by British "shoe bomber" Richard Reid, who tried to blow up a Paris-Miami airliner in 2001. Mr Abdulmutallab allegedly tried to detonate a device using a syringe, but it failed to go off.      The way it was concealed may have led to it evading current security arrangements, and new measures may now be taken to improve air security.

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Airlines looking at Biofuel to reduce oil dependency

Date added: 25 December, 2009

Many airlines are looking at alternative fuels to reduce their oil dependence.  Now 15 major airlines and air-cargo companies said they are negotiating to buy billions of gallons of fuels made from vegetable oil, coal and petroleum coke. Some claim lower CO2 emissions, as this is injected into a USA Gulf Coast oil reserve, in order to pump out more oil. (Flights and Fares)

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Rival Glasgow airport chief says scrap subsidy for Prestwick

Date added: 24 December, 2009

Glasgow Airport’s MD has launched an outspoken attack on the "unfair and anti- ­competitive subsidy" given to its main rival.   She  says the Government money that funds the rail link to Prestwick must be scrapped as it benefits Ryanair, the airport’s main carrier, at the expense of other airlines. Also that the Scottish Government must restore the air route development fund. (Herald).

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Biofuels Consultation: can they fuel our lifestyle without taking food from the poor?

Date added: 22 December, 2009

A consultation by the UK Nuffield Council on Bioethics wants to hear public opinion on the new generation of biofuels.   The consultation wants  anyone and everyone's views on biofuels – everything from ethanol to futuristic synthetic hydrocarbons from algae. There's also further research suggesting that fertiliser used to grow biofuels can also be a significant source of greenhouse gases. Deadline 15th March.

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How do I know China wrecked the Copenhagen deal? I was in the room – Mark Lynas

Date added: 22 December, 2009

Mark Lynas was in the final negotiations on the Copenhagen Accord. He says: The China wrecked the talks, intentionally humiliated Barack Obama, and insisted on an awful "deal" so western leaders would walk away carrying the blame. it was China's representative who insisted that industrialised country targets, previously agreed as an 80% cut by 2050, be taken out of the deal. China, backed at times by India, took out all the numbers that mattered.

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BAA must scrap runway plans now rather than prolong the blight

Date added: 21 December, 2009

Stop Stansted Expansion  has called on BAA to withdraw its 2nd runway plans as issues over the future ownership of Stansted Airport threaten to drag on for years, prolonging the blight and uncertainty for the local community.   The call comes in the wake of today’s Competition Appeal Tribunal ruling which upheld one of the grounds of BAA’s appeal relating to apparent bias on the part of the Competition Commission in reaching its decision that BAA must sell three of its airports, (SSE)

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BAA wins Competition Commission appeal on airports sale

Date added: 21 December, 2009

BAA has won its appeal against an order to sell  3 of the  7 UK airports it runs on the grounds that the ruling panel was affected by "apparent bias".   his was because one of the panel members had long standing connections with MAG.  But the appeal tribunal rejected BAA's argument that it was being forced to sell the airports too quickly. The Competition Appeal Tribunal said it would now allow more time to hear arguments as to what should happen next. Airports may still need to  be sold. (BBC)

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IATA says the Copenhagen Agreement is a Step in Right Direction

Date added: 21 December, 2009

IATA says it welcomes the Copenhagen Accord, and says aviation was not part of it because everyone is so impressed by the amazingly high standards the industry is setting for itself in terms of cutting carbon. They aim to do this by continuing to grow as much as possible, finally making some carbon savings  through carbon trading ....... and so on ....... (IATA press release)

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Manchester air traffic control to close

Date added: 20 December, 2009

MANCHESTER Airport’s air traffic control centre is to close – with 180 staff forced to move to Scotland. The centre will close for the final time in the early hours of January 23, with only skeleton staff remaining in the control tower. This means all air operations – apart from take-offs and landings – will be controlled from a new £170m centre in Prestwick, Ayrshire – more than 250 miles away.

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Copenhagen – what was decided and what comes next

Date added: 20 December, 2009

There are hundreds of articles and analyses of the Copenhagen non-accord, and what was and was not achieved.   Here are some of the sources, and some key points.

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Farmers’ legal challenges will delay Carlisle Airport revamp

Date added: 19 December, 2009

Tthere are now  4 farmers with grazing rights on land earmarked for warehousing and offices who have refused to give up those rights, and one of  them has been granted leave to apply for a judicial review of Carlisle City Council’s decision to give planning permission to the airport in 2008.     The application will be heard  in the Court of Appeal in the spring. Tinkler said  he was frustrated by the farmers who had refused Stobart's offer to surrender their grazing rights.

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Copenhagen ends surrounded by confusion with no legal agreement, no emissions reduction targets and only an unsatisfactory deal between the US, China, Brazil, India and South Africa

Date added: 19 December, 2009

Copenhagen drew to an unsatisfactory close, with negotiators only able to secure a non-binding agreement between the developed and developing nations. The deal did not include emissions reduction targets, only an over-arching aspiration to limit the temperature rise to 2C. There are no figures for binding commitments by developed nations to cut their greenhouse gas emissions in the next decade. There is only watered-down language on verification. The US, China, Brazil, India and South Africa had "agreed to set a mitigation target to limit warming to no more than 2C" - Europe did not join that. John Sauven, executive director of Greenpeace UK, said "It is now evident that beating global warming will require a radically different model of politics than the one on display here in Copenhagen."

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Copenhagen close to failure on aviation and shipping emissions

Date added: 18 December, 2009

The Copenhagen climate negotiations have yet to identify a feasible way forward to reduce emissions from international aviation and shipping. Since 1990 emissions from shipping have grown by more than 85% and from international aviation by over 50%. There are two possible ways to reduce these "bunker" emissions - by a separate global ETS for aviation and shipping and a climate levy on marine fuel. The NGOs set out their proposals a way forward.

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Air Transport Association Sues To Halt EU ETS

Date added: 18 December, 2009

Three US airlines, Continental, American and United,and the Air Transport Association have filed suit in a  UK court, seeking to block implementation of the EU ETS.   It is the first legal action brought by US airlines in a European court to halt the inclusion of international aviation in the ETS. They are claiming that "ICAO continues to be the appropriate UN body for establishing climate change targets and measures for aviation" and they want a global, sector-focused approach.(Aviation Week)

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Campaigners call on Southampton airport to soundproof 12,000 homes

Date added: 16 December, 2009

Environmental campaigners have called for Southampton Airport to soundproof the homes of almost 12,000 Hampshire residents. They claim noise from aircraft could be affecting the health of residents living nearby. Environmental Protection UK also says 7 local schools under the flight path should be provided with sound proof glazing. Southampton is one of the few English airports that does not have a Sound Insulation Grant Scheme. (Echo)

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Appeal court gives farmer consent to continue Carlisle airport legal fight

Date added: 16 December, 2009

Redevelopment of Carlisle Airport is threatened by a legal challenge from an Irthington farmer. Gordon Brown has been given leave to apply for a judicial review of Carlisle City Council’s decision in 2008 to grant planning consent for warehousing and offices. The High Court twice rejected his application, most recently in October.   But that ruling has now been overturned by the Court of Appeal in London.

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Aircraft energy efficiency has not improved in a decade

Date added: 16 December, 2009

A new study on aviation says the pace of improvements in aircraft energy efficiency is very slow, and no progress has been made in the last decade.  It calls for a CO2 emissions standard for aircraft already in production.   The ICCT has examined emissions from more than 25,000 planes produced between 1960 and 2008. It shows improvements in fuel efficiency for the first 3 decades, but virtually no improvements in the last 20 years when there have been few new aircraft designs. (T&E)

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City Airport Expansion Oppostion Lines Up for Parliamentary Adjournment Debate

Date added: 15 December, 2009

James Brockenshire MP secured an adjournment debate in the Commons, on London City airport.   He is concerned about the changes to flight paths that were recently made by NATS, even though the rest of the changes they proposed in the Terminal Control north consultation have been withdrawn. The changes were requested by the CAA, making the whole NATS consultation process pointless, with regard to London City airport.   (from Hansard)

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Study: Airport Noise Increases Risk of Strokes

Date added: 15 December, 2009

German researchers have discovered that people who are exposed to jet noise have a substantially increased risk of stroke, high blood pressure and heart disease. The findings are bound to provide further ammunition to anti-airport campaigners. According to the unpublished study, commissioned by Germany's Federal Environment Agency, men who are exposed to jet noise have a 69% higher risk of being hospitalized for cardiovascular disease. Women living under flight paths have a 93% higher risk and a raised risk of breast cancer and leukaemia.  (Time)

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British wildlife faces climate change devastation, warns Environment Agency

Date added: 14 December, 2009

Rising temperatures and sea levels brought on by climate change could have devastating effects on British wildlife from salmon to wildfowl, the Environment Agency warned.   It said the country's waterways could be hit by invading species which spread disease to native wildlife and clog up rivers and streams. Some fish will struggle with warmer water. Salt flats will be inundated. UK biodiversity is already feeling effects of climate change.

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Glimmers of hope emerge from Copenhagen on progress towards a climate deal on international aviation

Date added: 14 December, 2009

At the Copenhagen negotiations, negotiators dealing with bunker fuel emissions (international aviation and shipping emissions) are inching slowly and painfully towards an agreed text to take forward to the next stage of the process. In a briefing, it was suggested that a deal can be done in Copenhagen that would give a clear signal and direction to both ICAO and the IMO, on the emissions reductions required by the sectors and a timeline by which to develop a framework. However, other COP-watchers are not so optimistic. (GreenAir)

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UK opens consultation on 2nd stage of transposing Aviation EU ETS directive into national regulations

Date added: 14 December, 2009

DECC has opened a 12-week public consultation seeking views on the second set of draft UK regulations to transpose the EU directive on the inclusion of aviation into the EU ETS.   The first set came into force on 17 September 2009.   These new regulations will ultimately repeal in part and replace the first stage regulations. The consultation runs till 5th March 2010. Under the current rules, an airline that ceased flying in 2012 would continue to receive a free allocation each year up to 2020.   (GreenAir)

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British Airways Pension Deficit Rises To £3.7 billion

Date added: 14 December, 2009

British Airways said that it has agreed with its pension trustees that its pension deficit is £P3.7 billion, a 76% increase on the deficit of £2.1 billion in 2006. Based on a provisional agreement on the actuarial basis for the calculation of the deficits in its two schemes, the deficit in Airways Pension Scheme would be £1.0 billion and the deficit in New Airways Pension Scheme would be £2.7 billion as at March 31, 2009. (Wall Street Journal)

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Russia To Build Advanced AN-124?

Date added: 11 December, 2009

Volga-Dnepr, which currently operates ten of the huge AN-124-100 aircraft, says worldwide demand for outsize cargo airplanes has grown 30% per year since 2004. Between 2007 and 2008, the market rose from $768 million to $1.1 billion. Volga-Dnepr says there will be a requirement for 70 AN-124-type airplanes by 2030. It wants 20 upgraded AN-124s for delivery between 2011 and 2020 and a further 20 from 2021 to 2027. (Air Cargo World)

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Commission objects to Member State delay in complying with EU air quality legislation

Date added: 11 December, 2009

The European Commission today adopted three decisions concerning requests from Bulgaria, Poland and the United Kingdom for additional time to comply with EU legislation on air quality. The decisions relate to requests for temporary exemptions in 97 zones or agglomerations from the EU's air quality standards for dangerous airborne particles known as PM 10.   In the United Kingdom, the Commission considered that the Directive conditions have not been met.

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Environmental group launches new report and calls for a night air freight tax

Date added: 10 December, 2009

AirportWatch  is calling for a Night Air Freight Tax.   The call comes on the day AirportWatch launches a major report on air freight.   The report, "Air Freight: The Impacts"  is taking place in Southend to coincide with the last day on consultation of plans to extend the runway. Air  freight  pays no tax on aviation fuel.   It is exempt from VAT.   And it does not pay the equivalent of Air Passenger Duty.   AirportWatch is calling for Air Passenger Duty to be replaced by a Plane Tax, and a higher rate on planes using airports at night, when the noise causes even greater disturbance.

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Stand up now to aviation’s spin over Heathrow

Date added: 9 December, 2009

The Transport Secretary hailed this week's report from the CCC as proof that airport expansion can go ahead without breaching emissions targets. But to do so, the rest of our economy will need to hit far tougher targets, so CO2 emissions from aviation rise from 6% of the total today to 25% in 2050. Now people - including other industries -  will ask why aviation gets this sort of preferential treatment. Stag weekends in Riga or 2nd homes in Umbria simply aren't crucial to British economic growth. (Standard)

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Aviation on agenda at climate conference

Date added: 9 December, 2009

Delegates at Copenhagen are being told that the price of air travel has to rise as the world meets the challenge of capping carbon emissions and keeping temperatures from rising. The  report by Britain's CCC suggests the airline industry can grow by as much as 60% by 2050 without affecting the UK's climate targets. The CCC also said in order for aviation to continue to grow, other parts of the economy will have to reduce their CO2 by 90%, which is even more than the government's targets. (ABC)

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Aviation policy? Rip it up, start again

Date added: 9 December, 2009

Leo Murray, writing in the Guardian, explains why aviation policy – including plans to expand Heathrow – has collapsed.   The government  transport committee still says the 2003 white paper "remains a sensible basis for policy".   But now the CCC has said -even making very optimistic assumptions - only a very few airports can expand, not the 30 in the ATWP. The architects of UK aviation policy must return to the drawing board and start the entire conversation again, but this time taking climate change into account.

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Aviation expansion policy is not compatible with climate target, say Government advisors

Date added: 8 December, 2009

The Aviation Environment Federation comments on today's CCC report, that it slams the brakes on the unrestrained expansion forecast in the now hopelessly outdated and discredited 2003 White Paper. The Committee says UK aviation growth cannot exceed 60% above today’s passenger numbers, not the 200%+ figure the Government still desperately clings to.   There is still  a policy gap that could be filled by infrastructure constraints as well as additional aviation taxes. The industry will have to operate in a demand-constrained framework through to 2050.

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Heathrow Can Expand even if Growth Capped – only with the 60% cap

Date added: 8 December, 2009

The CCC report does not rule a third runway at Heathrow.   The report says the aviation sector's carbon dioxide emissions must not exceed 2005 levels of 37.5 million tonnes a year by 2050.   "To expand Heathrow or elsewhere would all be in the 60% constraint."     So if expansion is limited to 60%  more  than today, expansion can be at some airports, but not all.   Either Heathrow and  London airports or  elsewhere.  But not both.    

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This decade ‘warmest on record’ say Met Office and World Meteorological Organization

Date added: 8 December, 2009

The first decade of this century is "by far" the warmest since instrumental records began, say the UK Met Office and World Meteorological Organization.   Their analyses also show that 2009 will almost certainly be the fifth warmest in the 160-year record.   Burgeoning El Nino conditions, adding to man-made greenhouse warming, have pushed 2009 into the "top 10" years.   "We are in a warming trend - we have no doubt about it."    (BBC)

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Green lobby insists carbon figures don’t allow Heathrow expansion

Date added: 8 December, 2009

The CCC report today does not rule out expansion of Heathrow.   The CCC says that in 2050, if a 3rd runway has been built and is operating at full capacity, the airport will account for 20% of total [UK] flights,which it says  is consistent with meeting the Government’s carbon target.   The figures do not add up.   The CCC has rejected the ATWP's projected 200% air  passenger increase by 2050 - and this is degree of growth that any "need" for the 3rd runway at Heathrow is based upon.

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Various stories on the Committee on Climate Change report on aviation

Date added: 8 December, 2009

Many stories in the media on the CCC's report on the future of UK aviation. Links to the BBC, Guardian and Times stories. Passenger growth will have to be limited to 60% over the next four decades, compared with an increase of 130% since 1990, allowing the UK a maximum of around 370 million air travellers per year by 2050, from 230 million currently.

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Committee on Climate Changes sets out options to meet the UK’s aviation emissions target

Date added: 8 December, 2009

A report from the CCC today says that UK aviation policy should be based on the assumption that demand growth between now and 2050 cannot exceed 60% if the UK is to meet the Government’s target that aviation emissions in 2050 must not exceed 2005 levels.   However, the report says growth may need to be less than 60%, to take account of non-CO2 effects of aviation emissions, and the uncertainties about biofuels in future.   Even with the  anticipated carbon price, modal shift and increased use of video-conferencing in business, it is unlikely that  demand growth will be constrained to 60%.  

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Climate Refugee Santas in London City Airport Protest

Date added: 7 December, 2009

20 Climate activists dressed as Santa Claus were pushed out of London City Airport departures lounge by police and security guards. Presents of cartoon books about the problems with carbon trading, carbon ration books, and toy trains were left undelivered. These were meant for the passengers on the final flight to Copenhagen. So why are they FLYING to Copenhagen?

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Transport committee ‘unsure about Stansted runway’

Date added: 7 December, 2009

The Commons Transport Committee has published its report, entitled The Future of Aviation. It says consideration should be given to building an extra runway at Gatwick rather than Stansted, and it was "not convinced" a national case for another Stansted runway had been made. It supported Heathrow's expansion but called for assurances that it would be linked to other major airports by high-speed rail. They again said aviation is important to the regions. (BBC)

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56 newspapers across the world share one common editorial on Copenhagen

Date added: 7 December, 2009

 56  newspapers in 45 countries are taking the unprecedented step of speaking with one voice through a common editorial - because humanity faces a profound emergency. The science is complex but the facts are clear. The world needs to take steps to ensure global emissions peak and begin falling within the next 5-10 years. Many of us, particularly in the developed world, will have to change our lifestyles. The era of flights that cost less than the taxi ride to the airport is drawing to a close.

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The sceptics’ arguments and the counter arguments – good BBC briefing

Date added: 6 December, 2009

The BBC has set out ten of the arguments that the climate sceptics use, to try and convince themselves and us that climate change is not man made, and there is therefore no point in doing anything significant to stop it.   The ten counter arguments are then given. Useful background information, to understand how the sceptics are trying to undermine public understanding of the science.

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50,000 fill London’s streets for The Wave ahead of Copenhagen

Date added: 5 December, 2009

The Wave was organised by Stop Climate Chaos, and it had hoped this climate march - to mark the start of the Copenhagen talks - would be the largest the UK had ever seen. They dreamed of 30,000 people marching through the streets of London - but there were estimated to have been 50,000 people. That is a resounding success, and demonstrates the depth of feeling there is in Britain on climate change. Anti aviation campaigners enthusiastically joined in.

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Enviromental cost of ‘Green’ David Cameron’s private jet flights

Date added: 4 December, 2009

The Mirror has a go at David Cameron for the number of domestic flights he has taken this year in private planes. The paper estimates that in the past 6 months he has flown 4,549 miles around the country and into Europe at a cost of £40,000 – all paid for by backers. Carbon emissions for his flights over the past 6 months total 45 tonnes – nearly 5 times the yearly average for a Briton.

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Airlines’ profits to soar from emissions trading, says Carbon Trust

Date added: 3 December, 2009

A Carbon Trust report, soon to be publshed, for investors says that airlines could make large windfall profits - billions of pounds - from the EU ETS. The draft document argues that airlines can and will pass through the costs of buying carbon allowances onto their passengers, even though the carriers will actually be granted the great majority of these allowances free of charge. in 2012 the cap starts at 97% of the 2004 -06 level, and 95% in 2013. (ENDS)

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Copenhagen climate summit: 50/50 chance of stopping catastrophe, Lord Stern says

Date added: 2 December, 2009

Lord Nicholas Stern says an ambitious deal to cut greenhouse gas emissions needs to be agreed at Copenhagen to give a 50/50 chance of keeping temperatures from rising more than 2C. Failure could put the world at risk of temperature rises of more than 5C which would be 'catastrophic'. If the talks fail, it will be difficult to recreate the opportunity to shift the world onto a low carbon path. He wants Europe to agree to cut CO2 by 30% on 1990 by 2020. (Telegraph)

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Cameron hit by Tory backlash on environment

Date added: 2 December, 2009

David Cameron is facing a growing challenge to his authority from senior members of his own party who say they have doubts about the Conservatives' stance on global warming. These include Peter Lilley, Andrew Tyrie and Ann Widdecombe. Now David Davis says the policy of tough targets to cut carbon emissions is "destined to collapse". He criticises "the fixation of the green movement with setting ever tougher targets". (Independent)

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Winding up petition served to Coventry Airport

Date added: 2 December, 2009

Coventry Airport is facing an uncertain future after the company which owns it -    West Midlands International Airport Ltd - it was served a petition to ‘wind up’ its business amid rumours of spiralling debt.   The airport has been up for sale since May of this year.  A hearing is due to take place at London’s Royal Courts of Justice on Wednesday, Dec 9.   If the court grants the petition and makes the winding-up order, the airport will be placed into compulsory liquidation. (Birmingham Post)

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Climate science statement from the Met Office, NERC and the Royal Society

Date added: 1 December, 2009

Three of the UK's leading scientific organisations involving most of the UK scientists working on climate change  have put out a statement to emphasise the body of scientific evidence that underpins the call for action  at Copenhagen. They reinforce  their commitment to ensuring that world leaders continue to have access to the best possible science to inform sound decision-making on policies to mitigate and adapt to climate change up to Copenhagen and beyond. (NERC)

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No carbon saved by diverting Heathrow passengers to Bristol

Date added: 29 November, 2009

A new study, by Stop Bristol Airport Expansion, shows that - contrary to the arguments by the industry - the expansion of Bristol airport is highly unlikely to divert much of the ‘leakage’ of passengers, who choose to go to London airports, rather than local ones, for their trips. The industry claims that by getting people to fly from their local airport saves CO2 emissions.   This study shows that carbon savings would not be made, unless services from London airports were reduced as Bristol services increase.   (SBAE)

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FoI documents now prove Whitehall hid evidence on Heathrow expansion

Date added: 29 November, 2009

Secret documents revealed through FoI show the government colluded with BAA to skew evidence in favour of expanding Heathrow and play down facts that could help opponents. The government was so concerned about the content of internal emails and memos about Heathrow expansion that it spent 18 months trying to prevent them being revealed. BAA and the DfT relied on research that they knew would not stand up to scrutiny - and they tried to remove evidence. (Times)

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Manston Airport cuts back expansion plans

Date added: 28 November, 2009

Kent International Airport (Manston) has published the final version of its master plan, which was first set out in October last year. It has cut its forecast for passenger numbers in 2018 to 2.2 million from the previous 2.7 million and in 2033 to 4.7 million instead of 5.7 million. The cuts are due to the current recession. The airport says its cargo business is resilient, but not passenger services - with only 50,000 passengers in 2010. (BBC)

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Carbon offset schemes not working, says holiday firm

Date added: 28 November, 2009

"Responsible Travel" has said that consumer carbon offset schemes do not lead people to change their behaviour. They were the first holiday firm to run such a scheme, and now realise that offsets are a "distraction" from climate change's real urgency. They will end their scheme. Offsetting has not changed people's behaviour enough and emissions covered by such schemes should be avoided in the first place. (BBC)

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Carriers barred from EU airports on safety grounds

Date added: 28 November, 2009

The European Commission produces a list of the airlines that are not allowed to use European airports. There is also a list of those which can only use the airports under certain operating conditions. Lists have just been updated, so now carriers from 15 countries – 228 companies in total – are completely banned from EU airspace. The majority are from African countries.

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3 dead in cargo plane crash in Shanghai

Date added: 28 November, 2009

A Zimbabwe cargo plane crashed as it took off from Shanghai's main international airport, killing 3 crew members. One other crew member was seriously injured, and three more were slightly hurt. China Central Television said the plane's tail struck the ground on takeoff, and an airport warehouse also caught fire in the crash. The report showed billowing thick black smoke.

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Berlin-Brandenburg International airport plans

Date added: 27 November, 2009

A new Berlin-Brandenburg International Airport (BBI) is taking shape. Of the united city’s 3 airports, it was the only one with enough room to grow. The state governments of Berlin and Brandenburg stepped in to build the city’s new airport adjacent to the existing Schönefeld. the final legal objection to the airport was dismissed 2 years ago. An Irish developer owns a huge site beside the airport and plans an immense Airportpark development.

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Aviation industry not doing enough to go green – new report

Date added: 26 November, 2009

A new report by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) which shows that the fuel efficiency of new aircraft has barely improved since 2000. New aircraft fuel efficiency has improved substantially in only 2 of the last 5 decades. Fuel costs alone are not sufficient to stimulate increased aircraft efficiency.   An international CO2 standard for all newly built and future aircraft is needed. (FoE and AEF)

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Manchester – Expansion of airport World Freight Terminal approved

Date added: 25 November, 2009

Plans to create a new cargo hangar at Manchester Airport World Freight Terminal have been approved by Manchester City Council's planning committee. Two cottages will be demolished to make way for a new 200,000 sq ft depot which the airport says would help growth in the upturn. A 300-year-old pond with a colony of great-crested newts will also be destroyed. The earlier plans had been for two hangars. Traffic and pollution will be increased. (Crains)

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Belfast City – Airport residents’ voices must be heard – Robinson

Date added: 25 November, 2009

First Minister Peter Robinson has said that more weight must be given to local residents' views on George Best Belfast City Airport's expansion plans. He said the airport was an asset to the area but that had to be balanced against its impact on local people. Ryanair is pushing for a runway extension, but Flybe is against it. The planning application is currently under consideration. Belfast International nearby already has a longer runway. (Newsletter)

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Heathrow protesters to barricade homes

Date added: 25 November, 2009

BAA is to start buying 700 properties under threat from the 3rd runway, which has government backing but is opposed by the Tories and Lib-Dems. In response protesters from groups including Plane Stupid have escalated a campaign to "adopt" residents and are persuading them to barricade their homes. "seeing old ladies being frogmarched from their homes by police and BAA isn't going to look good on the teatime news is it?" (This is London)

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Global Infrastructure Partners announces board for Gatwick Airport

Date added: 24 November, 2009

GIP has announced the following appointments to the Board of Gatwick, to take effect following completion of the acquisition in the 1st week of December. GIP will be investing through Ivy Bidco Limited, a company established for the purposes of making the acquisition. The board will be chaired by Sir David Rowlands, the former Permanent Secretary at the DfT. Also Michael McGhee, Bill Woodburn, Andrew Jurenko, and James van Hoften. (BAA)

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KLM’s First (one eighth) Biofuel Flight Takes Off

Date added: 23 November, 2009

KLM has operated its first passenger flight powered by "sustainable biokerosene." During the 1.5 hour flight above the Netherlands, one engine of the Boeing 747 ran on a mixture of 50% biofuel from camelina, and 50% traditional kerosene. The other 3 engines ran on 100% normal kerosene. KLM said the biofuel used on the flight "reduces CO2 emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional kerosene." They plan to get certification by the end of 2010.

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London Assembly call for Mayor to oppose 2012 night flights

Date added: 23 November, 2009

The London Assembly has asked Mayor Boris Johnson to speak out against any attempt to allow night flights during the 2012 Olympic Games. A motion agreed unanimously at last week’s Mayor’s Question Time calls on him to write jointly with the Chair of the London Assembly to the Secretary of State for Transport and his relevant counterparts in the opposition parties to express their concerns. (Mayorwatch)

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New Gatwick owners – GIP – set out plans

Date added: 23 November, 2009

The new owners of Gatwick. Global Infrastructure Partners, have promised a "relentless" focus on customer service. They have announced a new board to run the airport following its takeover from BAA, and want to "inject real competition into the London airports market." GIP expects to complete the acquisition of Gatwick in the first week of December. (TravelMole)

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Government refuses Gatwick inquiry

Date added: 23 November, 2009

The Government has refused to hold a public inquiry into plans to expand the North Terminal, saying it should be left to "local democracy". The planned developemnt is bigger than the total size of many regional airports. GACC believes that to permit it with no detailed examination and no safeguards for the environment is a disgrace. The expansion would allow the airport to expand from its previous peak of 35 million passengers a year to 40 million. (GACC)

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Campaign for Heathrow transport hub set to gather pace

Date added: 22 November, 2009

The campaign for Heathrow Hub, a proposed transport interchange at the world's second-busiest airport, is set to gather pace next month. Arup, the engineer that first proposed the hub, is understood to be meeting with representatives from interested parties, including Crossrail and Network Rail, in early December. Arup is believed to be gathering support ahead of the publication of refreshed plans later in the month. (Independent on Sunday)

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Bristol Airport expansion plan decision delayed

Date added: 20 November, 2009

Bristol International Airport bosses will have to wait until February to hear whether their £150 million expansion plans will get the green light. A decision from North Somerset Council on the airport's proposal had been expected on December 9. But councillors will now have extra time to digest the plans to increase annual passenger traffic to 10 million by 2016 from the current level of 6 million a year. (This is Bristol)

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Two thirds of corporates cut travel budget

Date added: 19 November, 2009

Two thirds of European corporates have cut their travel budget in 2009, according to American Express. The TMC's European Business Travel Barometer for 2009 said the 366 companies quizzed had cut their budgets average by 18%. The survey of buyers in 10 European countries found that while 66% had cut their budgets, 23% had spent the same and only 11% saw their spend rise. The average cut of those who did reduce their budget was 31%. (ABTN)

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