Pledges Development Of Efficient Aircraft, But Wants
Regulations Kept In Check
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) announced
Wednesday it has joined with other aviation industry groups to
issue a paper outlining a set of principles to address aviation and
climate change. The signatories of the document represent every
facet of the aviation industry, including general aviation,
commercial passenger and cargo carriers, airports, aerospace
manufacturers, pilots and air traffic controllers.
In releasing the document, GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce
said, "The general aviation manufacturing industry remains
committed to producing new airplanes that are significantly more
efficient than those they replace. As this document demonstrates,
we are convinced we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions without
constraining industry growth, but doing so will require a genuine
partnership with government."
In the paper entitled "Aviation and Climate Change: The Views of
Aviation Industry Stakeholders," GAMA and the other groups
recognize their obligation to further limit aviation’s
greenhouse gas emissions.
"The establishment of common principles is the industry’s
effort to demonstrate its commitment to work with the Obama
Administration and Congress as we move forward to tackle the issue
of climate change in the United States. We are proud to join
virtually every other association in the aviation industry in this
endeavor," said Bunce.
The document outlines general principles for policymakers and
others to adhere to, including the importance of cost-benefit and
scientific analysis, the preeminent role of the International Civil
Aviation Organization, and the need for a comprehensive energy
policy. In terms of specific measures, the industry groups call for
air traffic control modernization and operational improvements to
be accelerated, and for enhanced government participation for new
technologies and alternative fuels research.
Finally, any economic measures put in place must not create
disincentives for the industry or transfer resources from aviation
necessary for environmental improvements.
Among the 19 other signatories to the agreement include the
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Aerospace Industries
Association, Helicopter Association International, and Experimental
Aircraft Association.
The full paper and the executive summary may be viewed at the
FMI link below.