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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 |
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Latest news stories:
East Midlands – Airport bosses happy with noise policy despite residents’ protests
East Midlands airport says they are happy with their policy on aircraft noise despite protests at a public meeting last night. They have put in place measures to reduce the volumes of noise from planes, but many people living nearby say they are still woken by night flights. Staff at East Midlands said they would need to change little from their existing plans to fall in line with the EU requirements.
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Ryanair cuts at Stansted raise second home owner fears
Thousands of second home owners face being cut off over the winter as Ryanair announced drastic cutbacks in services from Stansted. 10 of Ryanair's routes will be cut, and frequency cuts on another 30. Services to Spain are likely to be safe because the Spanish Government has scrapped tourist taxes and the homes are still used fairly frequently during the winter. Some French flights may be cut. This is in part a bargaining ploy by Ryanair against airports. (Telegraph)
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SSE response to latest Ryanair cutbacks at Stansted
Commenting on news today of major cutbacks by Ryanair in its winter schedules for Stansted Airport, Stop Stansted Expansion's Economics Adviser Brian Ross said: "The idea that there is any need for a 2nd runway at Stansted is now simply pie in the sky. It is also clear that expansion plans have become a distraction for BAA management at Stansted at the expense of the underlying business."”Ryanair accounts for 2/3 passengers using Stansted. (SSE)
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Heathrow campaigners picnic on the site of the 3rd runway
A plot of land with over 50,000 "owners" near Heathrow Airport was the venue for a picnic organised by the No Third Runway Action Group (NoTRAG) as part of The Big Lunch initiative on Sunday. The Airplot in Sipson was bought by Greenpeace, and now has over 50,000 beneficial owners, becoming a symbol of defiance, as well as an allotment and a small nature reserve. Even the blustery winds and light summer drizzle did not dampen the campaigners' spirits.
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Manchester Airport launch noise consultation
Manchester Airport has launched a public consultation on a new five-year draft noise action plan. The measures include a proposal to reduce the daytime threshold above which noise fines are issued, as well as increasing the penalty for breaching the noise limit. It began on 1st July, and ends on 21st October.
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Cardiff Airport road scheme axed
Plans for a new link road to Cardiff Airport have been scrapped because of the cost. It was announced at the unveiling of a 5-year transport plan. Only a fraction of the benefits a proposed airport link road would bring the area were associated with the airport. As an alternative, the assembly government would investigate a half-hourly express bus service from Cardiff city centre to the airport, and more frequent train services. (UK Airport News)
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What is Bristol International Airport planning to do?
Details of the Bristol Airport planning application, which was published on 29th June. Deadline for comment is 17th August. Plan is - by 2016 for a 60% increase in passengers. A 40% increase in commercial flights. A 50% increase in passenger car journeys to the airport. A 36% increase in night flihts, and a 50% increase in summer night flights. And all that amounts to a 60% rise in carbon emissions from the airport's activities by 2016. (From SBAE)
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A personal carbon budget will clip our wings
CHEAP FLIGHTS are alluring - like walking into an empty bank with the safe wide open, they encourage you to do something you know is probably bad, but hard to resist. if we care about social equity, then giving every citizen a carbon budget is the obvious way to achieve that. Like other bad habits, addiction to cheap flights is hard to give up, so we need to be saved from ourselves. Miliband seems intent on drumming up business for Ryanairs and easyJet.
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BA refuse to disclose booking levels on new London City – New York route
BA has declined to disclose bookings for its new London City Airport - New York flights, which are scheduled to start 29 September, Flightglobal reports. The airline's reasons for refusing it that, at this point, the niche business travellers targeted by the flight are not prepared to book flights for travel later in the year. This probably means the figures are not good. (UK Airport News)
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A380 Superjumbo flight to Birmingham Airport – 9th September
9th September is Birmingham Airport's 70th birthday. To mark the occasion, an Emirates’ A380 will make a flight from Dubai to Birmingham Airport. It is also the date that the new £45 million International Pier opens with state of the art facilities and its first aircraft will be the A380. (UK Airport News)
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Transport Secretary tells owner of Liverpool John Lennon Airport to stop whingeing about "green" taxes
The Transport Secretary has told the owner of John Lennon Airport to stop whingeing about "green" taxes, adding: "You're doomed if you don't pay your fair share". Lord Adonis poured scorn on claims by Peel Airports Group that rising APD was killing regional airports and preventing a new air link from JLA to London. He told MPs that the level of APD "broadly meets the environmental costs" of flying. (Liverpool Echo)
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Gatwick airport bidders raise pressure on Ferrovial
Brinkmanship surrounding the sale of Gatwick has intensified amid the apparent withdrawal of the last bidder from the contest. A consortium led by MAG and Borealis has refused to raise its final bid of around £1.4bn, at least £100m less than the price being sought by BAA. GIP, the main rival bidder, pulled back from the contest in May, when its final bid of around £1.36bn was not accepted by Ferrovial. Ferrovial hopes to complete the deal by autumn. (FT)
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Exxon’s algae to join biofuel push
ExxonMobil and Craig Venter, the pioneer of human genome research, have set up a $600m partnership to research the potential for making biofuels from algae. Mr Venter said that commercial deployment could be 10 years away. Exxon plans to spend $300m on its internal costs for the venture, and up to $300m more with Synthetic Genomics. No-one has yet managed to demonstrate oil production from algae at a large enough scale or a low enough cost, and it needs GM. (FT)
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Threat of Leeds Bradford airport expansion is back!
After successfully batting off the proposal in April, the Leeds Bradford Airport expansion proposal will be considered once again by Councillors on Thursday 23rd July at Leeds Civic Hall. "No Leeds Bradford Airport Expansion" hopes to convince councillors to oppose it again. Access to the airport is poor, and an expansion in passenger numbers of 70% in 5 years would create unacceptable local road congestion - as well as environmental damage.
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ABTA doubts Heathrow third runway will be built
A third runway at Heathrow is increasingly unlikely to be built, as the Labour Government 'runs out of momentum' and the Conservative party continue to pledge to block it, Travel Weekly reports that an ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents) spokesman has warned. The group's public affairs spokesman said political will is dying for the project. (UK Airport News)
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Where do Britain’s carbon emissions come from?
The energy white paper promises to tranform the way we live. Defra data shows how we consume energy now, and Britain's decline as a coal burning, manufacturing nation and transformation into a car-based consumer society which depends on others for our goods. Overall CO2 emissions have declined by nearly 30% in the last 40 years. But in that time transport emissions have nearly doubled. International aviation is not included. (Guardian)
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Government maps low-carbon road “Carbon Transition Plan”
Government has produced its Carbon Transition Plan, to work towards a cut of 34% in UK CO2 emissions by 2020. Campaigners say the plan is a chance for the UK to lead on climate change, but it is long on rhetoric and short on action. The plan hopes for a 15% share of energy from renewables by 2020 and a 20% increase in energy efficiency. International aviation is not included, though rather vague aspirations for it are mentioned in a new transport report.
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Government produces its carbon reduction strategy – including transport strategy
The government has produced its carbon reduction strategy. On transport, it says currenty UK transport (excluding non-domestic avaiation) now accounts for 21% of UK carbon emissions. This will be cut to 14% by 2020. On aviation there is nothing of substance, and nothing new: "reduce CO2 emissions from UK aviation to below 2005 levels by 2050, challenging the aviation industry to innovate and adopt better fuel efficiency, and hopes for Copenhagen.
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Britain may go back on its promise not to buy ‘permits to pollute’ from poor nations
Britain’s plan to cut its carbon dioxide emissions by more than a third by 2022 could be achieved by buying "permits to pollute" from poor countries rather than genuine reductions in domestic emissions. Ministers have considered scrapping a commitment made 3 months ago intended to prevent the UK from buying so-called "carbon offsets" from developing nations. Offsets may be used to meet the 2012 target. WWF said offsets are just an accounting trick. (Times)
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It’s a taxing time for East Midlands Airport
A top British business figure has said it would be a blow to the East Midlands economy if the Government brings in new taxes on the airline industry. David Frost, director-general of the BCC, claimed that East Midlands Airport – one of the largest freight operations in the UK – would see its business badly hit by new taxes. Gordon Brown had suggested levies on the aviation industry could help pay for measures to tackle climate change. (This is Derbyshire)
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Tories urged to back Heathrow expansion
The British Chambers of Commerce have produced a report claiming the direct economic benefit of adding capacity at Heathrow would be in the region of £300m - £500m a year. They are appealing to the Conservative party to reverse its opposition to the building of a 3rd runway, warning the policy would cost the economy billions of pounds in lost productivity. (FT)
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Boeing and Leading Airlines Announce New Members Added to Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group
Boeing and members of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group, an airline-led industry working group, announced that several airlines have been accepted as members to the group. The new members are Alaska Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, TUIfly and Virgin Blue. The group's aim is to help accelerate the commercialization and availability of sustainable biofuels. Group members have to group members must subscribe to sustainability criteria. (Peanuts)
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British Airways to Sharpen Premium-Class Focus Amid Drop in Travel
Europe’s 3rd-largest airline, plans to sharpen its focus on business fliers as the recession saps travel demand. All-business-class flights between London City Airport and New York start in September. A promotion begins today offering U.S. executives free travel to Europe to promote their companies. "We will continue to position ourselves as a premium airline, that is absolutely core to our business model," said a BA spokesman in the US. (Bloomberg)
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Pulling Yourself Off the Ground By Your Whiskers – Monbiot on the nonsense of carbon offsets
The government tomorrow publishes a series of papers on carbon reduction. It is rumoured that the new policies will include buying up to 50% of the reduction from abroad. That means that the UK will not cut its greenhouse gases by 80% by 2050, but by 40%. Offsetting half our emissions (which means paying other countries to cut them on our behalf) makes a mockery of the government’s climate change programme and is impossible. If the rich nations, if they follow the UK’s presumed lead, will cut their carbon pollution by 40%. The poorer nations will have to cut their carbon pollution by 60% y 2050. .
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A 3rd runway at Heathrow would add £30 billion to UK economy, says new study by the British Chambers of Commerce
The new report, entitled "Economic Impacts of Hub Airports" claims that each year the runway is delayed costs the country between £900m and £1.1bn. They claim that building the runway would add £30 billion to the UK economy, and that it would deliver between £8.6bn and £12.8bn in increased productivity, and approximately £20bn in wider economic benefits, such as higher levels of employment - over 60 years. See also rebuttal by Hacan. (Chambers of Commerce)
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Leading us astray on Heathrow – BAA lobbying
The aviation minister, and others, have misled parliament over BAA's lobbying for a 3rd Heathrow runway. The DfT's obstructiveness in refusing to publish a widely publicised letter made a mockery of Gordon Brown's promise of open government. Now the truth is out and Paul Clark has been caught misleading parliament. There are many things in the letter that were not in the press release, in contrast to claims by the DfT, witholding it. (Guardian)
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Heathrow-on-Sea set for takeoff
The airport, which could cost £40 billion, would span 4 runways across 2 islands and operate 24 hours a day, with landings over water to minimise disruption to residents. It would be linked to mainland terminals by either bridges or tunnels, and powered by giant water turbines. On Wednesday a panel of experts at the ICE will discuss the plans. It will be led by Sir David King, who will submit his research to Boris Johnson 3 weeks later. (Times)
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Night flights to take off from Bournemouth airport
Residents living under the flight path of Bournemouth Airport could have a rude awakening next summer should newly proposed timetables get the go-ahead. Thomson Holidays and First Choice, have announced they want to incorporate new routes to Turkey, Corfu, Tunisia and Sharm el Sheikh. Many of these will arrive at night, often around 1 - 2 am. The airport has an annual quota for night flights and is allowed some, as long as the quota is not exceeded.
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Gatwick airport publishes report on its carbon emissions
Gatwick Airport Ltd have (quietly) published a report on Gatwick and climate change. It has been produced because it was required under the 2008 legal agreement between the local authorities and Gatwick airport. The report contains a huge amount of whitewash. They do admit to being responsible for emissions during take-off and landing (a first?) but not emissions during the cruise phase of flights. Lots about low energy light bulbs...
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Local MP and Councillor launch campaign against City airport flight paths
Member of Parliament for Romford, Andrew Rosindell MP and local Hylands Ward Councillor Georgina Galpin have embarked upon a campaign to reduce the number of flights and the flight paths which are allowed over Hornchurch. Andrew and Georgina have began this campaign following scores of complaints from local residents, who have been left angered and disturbed following the vast and increased number of flights over the area on their way to City Airport.
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World’s first Personal Rapid Transit System bursts onto scene at Heathrow
At Heathrow the world’s first Personal Rapid Transit system reached a milestone this week as the system was officially handed over from construction to operational testing. When the system is launched, passengers will board PRT vehicles at one of three stations and select their chosen destination using a touch screen. The programmed vehicle takes them directly to their destination, at speeds up to 40kph along dedicated guideways. (BAA)
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Bournemouth Airport launches Airport noise consultation
Residents are to have their say on how noise is controlled at Bournemouth Airport. A 16 week public consultation has been launched by the airport on its draft plans to manage aircraft noise and review the measures currently in place. The consultation ends on 21st October. For people wishing to take part in the consultation, copies of the Noise Action Plan are available online at www.bournemouthairport.com.
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MPs call for acton to protect scenic countryside from aircraft noise
A report - "The use of airspace - Reduce stacking and consider limiting flights over AONB's and National Parks" - published today by the Transport Select Committee warns that ‘current airspace guidance appears to allow unchecked increases’ in flights over sensitive areas such as National Parks. CPRE feels this would progressively destroy the peace and quiet of these areas. The report says if a 3rd runway is built at Heathrow, there must be curbs on noise.
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Cut Heathrow ‘stacking’, say MPs
A report by the Commons Transport Committee, on the use of airspace, has been published. It says government must reduce the number of planes allowed to "stack" over south-east England, and that stacking needs to be cut if a 3rd Heathrow runway is built. Also ministers should examine limiting noise levels and aircraft numbers over sensitive areas, and current guidance appears to allow unchecked increases in aviation over national parks. (BBC)
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Major Economies Forum – Friends of the Earth reaction
Responding to the Major Economies Forum announcement of targets to aim for a ceiling of a 2 C rise in global temperatures, Friends of the Earth said that, despite their pledge, the MEF has one arm tied behind its back because rich countries meeting at the G8 failed to show leadership by slashing their own emissions first and fastest. The science demands rich nations cut their emissions by 40% by 2020 at home, not by buying offsets from abroad. (FoE)
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US agrees landmark pledge to slash emissions (and Climate Targets around the World)
The world's richest nations have agreed to cut their carbon emissions by 80% by 2050 in an attempt to secure a new global deal to combat climate change. Leaders of the G8 also agreed to set a limit of 2 degrees C on global temperature rises, for the first time. In return, they urged developing countries including China and India to cut their emissions by 50% over the same period. This is the first time the US has signed up to the target. (Indy)
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Campaigners blast ‘brazen’ expansion of City Airport
Newham Council confirmed the planning application to expand City Airport, to accommodate nearly 50,000 extra flights per year after the project is complete. Campaigners have criticised the decision to increase the number of flights in and out of the airport to 120,00 from 73,000. They warn about the exaggerated claims made by the council about job increases, and theoretical benefits to the local economy. Flights would be capped at 120,000 per year. (Standard)
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New peril to Heathrow pilots from attacks by £10 laser guns
Pilots landing and taking off at Heathrow and Gatwick are reporting a dramatic increase in the number of laser beams fired into their cockpits. More lives are being put at risk by £10 laser guns bought from corner shops and online. BALPA warned that unless the culprits are stopped it is only a matter of time before a pilot is blinded, and passengers are at risk. Incidents rose to 206 last year compared with just 3 in 2003 and 29 in 2007. (Standard)
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Big Economies Try to Break Climate Impasse Before G8
Ministers and senior officials from the Major Economies Forum meeting in Rome are hoping to break the deadlock between rich and poor nations over 2050 goals for cuts in greenhouse gas emissions - before the G8 summit. The MEF nations account for 80% of world emissions. If deadlock persists President Barack Obama would end the July 9 meeting with just a "chair's summary" rather than a statement agreed by all 17 MEF leaders.
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U2’s ‘massive carbon footprint’ called into question
U2 and Bono’s long-held commitment to "save the planet" has come into question after it emerged they have a carbon footprint big enough to fly the band to Mars and back. They have a 100-date 18-month world tour, travelling by private jets, along with 200 crew and backstage staff. There are also three 390-tonne stages criss-crossing the globe by air, producing 3,286.60 tonnes of CO2, with another 916.07 tonnes for extra equipment. (Independent)
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Publication of the Committee on Climate Change’s Aviation Report – will be 8 Dec 2009
The CCC is producing a review of UK Aviation emissions on the request of the Secretary of State for Transport. This report will assess future demand and aviation emissions and comment on airport expansion, modal shift to other forms of transport i.e. high-speed rail, the use of sustainable biofuels and hydrogen and improvements that can be made to the carbon efficiency of planes. It will report in December 2009. (CCC)
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Manchester Airport – £50m air terminal work finished
The £50m overhaul of the airport is complete. Designed to take the hassle out of travelling through Terminal 1, the project began 4 years ago. The overhaul is part of an £80m investment across the North West's busiest airport's 3 terminals with new airside shopping and catering facilities as well as a redesigned passenger flow. A £14m, 14-lane security area has been installed and retailers have spent almost £15m on 52 shops. (Gazette)
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Monbiot: Why have government agencies been paying to increase the number of flights?
Monbiot writes that air travel in the UK is in decline, and yet government thinking has not moved with the times, and it is still planning to double the capacity of our airports by 2030. IATA admits business travel habits are changing. Monbiot's research shows that over the past 10 years government agencies have spent £80m on helping private enterprise to increase the number of flights. And government has helped pay to accelerate this growth.
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New Reports Say Noise is Harming our Health
Two new reports assessing our state of knowledge on noise and health make it clear many people are affected, some seriously, by exposure to environmental noise. With Defra preparing to consult the public on noise action plans for England, information on the effects of noise is needed now. Defra research finds clear links between noise exposure and annoyance; cardiovascular effects; sleep disturbance; learning and hearing impairment. (Env Protection)
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Luton airport misery as drop-off fee causes chaos
Passengers arriving for early-morning flights last week were horrified to find traffic tailing back for more than a mile beyond the airport perimeter. With taxis and private cars crawling at a snail’s pace, desperate passengers got out and started the long, uphill hike to the terminal. scheme to charge drivers to drop passengers at a "priority set-down area" alongside the terminal. If you’re in and out in 10 minutes, the fee is £1, for longer it's £50. (Times)
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No compensation over Newcastle Airport noise
Levels of noise pollution caused by Newcastle airport are revealed for the first time. Hundreds of people living nearby are caused "significant annoyance" by aircraft flying in and out of the region on a daily basis. But none of them are entitled to compensation or special insulation in their homes because the noise levels are not quite high enough for them to qualify. The airport has prepared its first ever Noise Action Plan, for public consultation. (Journal)
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EC Funding ( £24.3m) for Newquay airport is approved
A £24.3m grant to help redevelop Newquay has been approved by the EC. Officials said the money, from Cornwall Council, the EU and South West Regional Development Agency, conformed to EU state aid rules. It was approved because the airport's transition from a partial military base to a fully civilian airport (up to 1.4m pax) was deemed beneficial to Cornwall's development. The Commission has already awarded the airport a 22.5m £19m EU grant. (BBC)
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Cargo B grounded by the recession
Cargo B Airlines has become the latest victim of the recession, forced out of business by falling rates, delayed aircraft deliveries and a failure to attract new investors. The Belgian freighter operator’s load factors had been on target, but yields were lower than required to make the business viable. Rates for the carrier’s markets - EuropeAfrica and Europe-Latin America - had declined by 20-25% since October, with no improvement in sight. (IFW)
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Birmingham Airport launch Noise Action Plan consultation
The airport has launched a 16 week Public Consultation, to seek the public's views on Birmingham International Airport’s Draft Noise Action Plan. The Public Consultation ends on 21st October 2009. Following the Public Consultation, the Airport will review the responses and produce its Noise Action Plan.
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East Midlands Airport Draft Noise Action Plan Consultation begins
East Midlands Airport has today launched a 16 week public consultation on its draft plans to manage the impact of aircraft noise and review the measures currently in place. The introduction of these plans is part of a European Union directive that requires all main sources of environmental noise including; airports, major roads, railways and urban conurbations with more than 250,000 residents, to produce Noise Action Plans.
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Shepway District Council officers recommend refusal of aiport plans
Shepway District Council's planning officers' report recommends that planning permission for both the runway extension and the new terminal at Lydd airport be refused largely as a result of the airport's failure to demonstrate that the development will not have an adverse impact on the protected habitats that surround the airport's runway. This is an excellent result but the final decision rests with Shepway District Councillors on September 23rd.
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Wildlife crisis worse than economic crisis – IUCN
Life on Earth is under serious threat, according to a detailed analysis of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The 2010 target to reduce biodiversity loss will not be met. 1,159 species are extinct, extinct in the wild, or critically endangered. Climate change is not currently the main threat to wildlife, but this may soon change. A significant proportion of species that are currently not threatened with extinction are susceptible to climate change.
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Bird Strikes A Growing Problem At US Airports
Despite renewed efforts by New York officials to keep skies around the city's airports clear of wildlife, a passenger plane was damaged after hitting a bird as it landed this week in what is a growing industry problem. While the flight landed safely at La Guardia airport on Tuesday, it became one of about 7,000 planes a year in the US to be involved in a so-called bird strike, of which 14% suffer damage, industry data shows. (Planet Ark)
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US Seen Backing Climate Target At G8
The US will agree to a goal to limit global warming to no more than 2 degrees Celsius at next week's Group of Eight summit. "The 2 degrees may even be included in the MEF (17-member Major Economies Forum) text. But at the moment, it is bracketed," an official said ahead of the July 8-10 meeting in Italy. Next week's climate summit is meant to help drive global agreement on a new UN-led climate pact in Copenhagen in December, to replace Kyoto.(Planet Ark)
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Heathrow gets staff on their bikes
BAA is launching a scheme to get staff members cycling to work, in partnership with Halfords. This is a government initiative to get employees cycling to work and eligible BAA staff will be entitled to tax-free benefits to encourage them to get a bike if they sign up in July. The costs of bike hire for the first year are taken from staff pay before tax and NI, and BAA pays the VAT. There is a target of reducing employee car use by 1% year on year at Heathrow.
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Lydd Airport – Determination Postponed until September 23rd
Alistair Stewart (CEO of Shepway District Council) has advised that determination of the Lydd airport application is to be postponed until September 23rd - the second postponement. The planning officers report will still be published on July 1st. The airport hopes to be allowed to extend its runway and erect new buildings, to enable it to expand to 500,000 passengers per year. (LAAG)
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Manston (Kent International) Airport News
Some recent news about Manston airport
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(Kent – Manston) Thanet airport group’s anger at Carter no show
The leader of Kent County Council faces being reported to the authority's Standards Committee after he missed a meeting at Kent Airport on Friday. The county’s top Tory was due to attend the Consultative Committee meeting to address them and audience over his public support of the airport - regarded by many as a major issue in Thanet. Around 150 people had turned up to see him speak, eager to hear him explain his position but he pulled out.
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Emirate’s growth from Newcastle “will defy recession”
Emirates is defying the widespread downturn in the aviation sector to see significant year-on-year growth in passenger and cargo levels on its flights from the North-East. The Dubai-based carrier, which launched its daily service from Newcastle to the Middle East in September 2007, has recently carried its 250,000th passenger between the two destinations, as well as its three millionth ton of cargo. Onward trade from Dubai is growing. (Northern Echo)
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Your chance to stop the expansion of Bristol International Airport
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Thousands stranded by Heathrow Terminal 5 baggage failure
Thousands of passengers at Heathrow's Terminal 5 were left stranded after a mechanical fault on the baggage system meant they were unable to check in their luggage. An estimated 5,000 passengers were unable to board their flights, leading to serious disruption over a period of up to 5 hours. Sources at the airport said about 5,000 passengers had been affected. (Telegraph)
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HACAN comments on Heathrow Noise Action Plan consultation
HACAN has produced a report on the Heathrow Noise Action Plan consultation. The report outlines the flaws in the Government’s approach to the Noise Action Plan for Heathrow and suggests the issues which it should address. Read the full report
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“We can either heat our homes and have hot baths, or fly but not both”
A meeting of experts at the Royal Society said the government must invest hugely to create a new low-carbon economy. The group's vice-chairman, Lord Redesdale, said the UK would never reach its climate change targets unless it radically improved policies on existing homes. He said: "A billion tonnes will have failed to be saved from domestic carbon emissions and this is equivalent to the CO2 pollution from Britain's aviation sector over the next 25 years."
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Heathrow Cherry Lane Cemetery – 10 Downing Street response
10 Downing Street has published its reponse to the Cherry Lane petition. It states: ... it is now for BAA to develop final details and bring forward a planning application. BAA have confirmed that they will only develop schemes that avoid the cemetery. Similarly, the Highways Agency have also ruled out any plans affecting the cemetery. (10 Downing Street website)
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Heathrow Terminal 5 to become art gallery
Plans being drawn up by the Government would see the newest terminal at Heathrow showcasing masterpieces from the national collections, together with contemporary art works. Proposals include securing short-term loans of artworks held in the national collections, hosting exhibitions of sculpture and installation works by contemporary artists. Several airports in the United States have already established similar programmes. (Telegraph)
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Barack Obama’s US climate change bill passes key Congress vote
The US Congress has voted to reduce the carbon emissions. The House of Representatives has voted 219 to 212 to bind the US to cutting CO2 emissions by 17% from 2005 levels in 2020 and 83% in 2050. It will also set up a national cap and trade system. Democrats claimed the bill as an important victory. It must still clear the Senate before it can be signed into law. The vote also helps the prospects of reaching an agreement at Copenhagen. (Guardian)
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EasyJet’s Gatwick price claims rejected
The High Court has dismissed allegations by easyJet that price increases approved at Gatwick last year were legally flawed, the Civil Aviation Authority said on Friday. EasyJet had accused the CAA, which regulates the airports network, of unlawfully raising the cost of using the airport, claiming that the price hike followed private talks between the regulator and BAA after the deadline for a consultation period passed. (Reuters)
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Government’s Copenhagen announcement – Friends of the Earth reaction
Responding to the Government's announcement of its manifesto for achieving global agreement at Copenhagen, FoE commented that Government's recognition that finance is key to breaking the deadlock in the stalled UN talks offers some hope of progress, but we will not achieve the necessary cuts by the con of carbon offsetting. Offsetting through expanding carbon markets will neither tackle climate change nor set Britain on a low carbon path to new green future.
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UK to outline emission cut plans
The prime minister is to pledge UK leadership in the international battle against climate change, launching a document showing what the UK will offer to the Copenhagen conference. Climate Secretary Ed Miliband described the conference as "make or break time for the climate". The Road to Copenhagen document will outline plans for ongoing emissions cuts in the UK. However, it excludes shipping and aviation and embodied carbon in imports. (BBC)
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IATA figures for May – Some Improvement in Freight
IATA May figures show freight demand was down by 17.4% compared to May 2008. It is a smaller decline than the 21.7% fall in April. IATA believes air cargo tonnage has bottomed out. Inventories remain 10-15% higher than normal in relation to sales levels, indicating that a significant recovery is not expected in the near term. European freight declined by 19.2% compared to a fall of 21% for Latin America, Africa down 20%, North America down 18.8%.
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Scotland – Bill to cut carbon emissions 80% by 2050
MSPs have put Scotland on course to go further than any industrialised nation in cutting greenhouse gas emissions after unanimously passing a Climate Change Bill that set targets for cuts at 42% by 2020 and 80% by 2050. The Bill seeks to impose controls on international aviation and shipping emissions, proposes the electrification of railways and greater use of power generated by low-carbon methods. The interim target set in the UK Bill is 34% by 2020. (Times)
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Aviation biofuels protest targets Virgin Atlantic
9 activists from Plane Stupid and Action Against Agrofuels have been arrested gate crashing Virgin Atlantic’s 25th birthday party at Heathrow airport, to highlight plans to allow the aviation industry to continue to expand if it uses biofuels instead of conventional aviation fuel. Activists dressed as stewardesses climbed on the entrance of the building and others unfurled banners. Virgin has been an outspoken supporter of biofuels as a "solution" to the steeply rising emissions from aircraft.
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British Airways to end 4 Gatwick services and switch 5 to Heathrow
British Airways is to transfer 5 services from London Gatwick to Heathrow with the start of its winter schedule. Its flights to Barcelona, Gibraltar, Madrid, Malaga and Pisa will switch airports with effect from Sunday 25 October 2009. BA is transferring passengers on affected flights to alternative flights to and from Heathrow. From the same date, the carrier has cancelled services from Gatwick to Alicante, Krakow, Malta and Palma. (Times)
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Carbon targets ‘dangerously optimistic’
Professor Kevin Anderson, the director of the Tyndall Centre, has warned MPs that the government's climate change policies are "dangerously optimistic". He said the UK's planned carbon cuts – if followed internationally – would have a "50-50 chance" of limiting the rise of global temperatures to 2C. The two departments most directly involved with climate policy do not have enough power, compared to powerful departments, such as that run by Lord Mandelson. (Guardian)
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Council plans to make Heathrow noise free
People living near Heathrow should have the right to a noise free future according to Hounslow council bosses. Heathrow could become the world’s 1st noise free airport if plans being drawn up by environmental experts are given Government backing. BAA admitted publicly that the number of people affected by noise from Heathrow was double their previous estimates, and its own noise action plan makes no firm commitment to reduce noise. (Dash24)
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London City – New fleet to cut environmental impact, says Cityflyer
City Airport says a fleet of new aircraft arriving in September represents "good news for everyone connected with the airport". Cityflyer, a subsidiary of BA dedicated to the Royal Docks airfield, is replacing its older RJ100 planes with new generation Embraer jets later this year. The managing director said: "It will be a big benefit. Bigger cabins, lower CO2 emissions, lower noise levels and they will also be 56% more efficient so it will save us on fuel."
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Coventry confident of business aviation future
Coventry Airport is confident in its ability to transform itself into a business aviation centre as its new fixed-base operation nears completion. Last year, owner Howard Holdings failed to get the green light to develop a new 2 million passenger terminal and lost scheduled services from low-cost airlines Thomsonfly and Wizz Air. The airport is now up for sale, and wants to develop as a UK cargo, ad hoc charter and executive jet hub. (Flight Global)
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BA still set to fly long haul from London City
BA is to go ahead with the launch of the first transatlantic flights from London City Airport. Flights start on September 29. The new all-business class service is a daily return to New York JFK except Saturdays when London City airport is closed, increasing to two flights a day from mid-October. The aircraft Airbus A318s, the largest aircraft that can be flown from City. It is designed for more but fitted with just 32 seats. (TravelMole)
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Transport secretary Lord Adonis warns ailing airlines there will be no bailout
Transport secretary Lord Adonis waded into the row between Virgin and British Airways after warning there would be 'no bailouts' given to ailing airlines. Branson enraged BA when he said the Government should not rescue the struggling carrier, which admits it is in a 'fight for survival'. Lord Adonis insisted: We are not in the business of giving bailouts. Nor would the public expect us to." (Mail)
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Biofuel buzz builds around jatropha tree; backers say it beats ethanol, but some are skeptical
Biodiesel from jatropha has powered test flights on Air New Zealand and Continental Airlines. It has prompted oil giant BP PLC to partner on jatropha projects in India and Africa. In Florida one jatropha company believes in the trees with such fervor that it calls them the eventual solution to the country's oil problems. But skeptics consider that hyperbole, saying there are still too many questions.
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