Stansted Airport welcomes environmental initiative

Stansted Airport has welcomed a new initiative that is being launched to reduce aircraft noise and emissions at the UK's air travel hubs.

Compiled by a coalition including airports, airlines and the Civil Aviation Authority, the interim Departures Code of Practice promotes the method of shutting down engines when planes are taxiing into their arrival gate.

This technique reduces fuel burn and can reportedly cut carbon dioxide emissions by between 20 and 40 per cent, as well as improving local air quality.

Virgin Atlantic welcomed the new strategy, with Jill Brady, director of corporate responsibility for the airline, saying that the aviation industry is "committed to reducing its environmental impact".

She added: "When safe and operationally feasible to do so, operators are encouraged to implement this technique of taxiing with fewer than all engines running as their standard operating procedure, because it provides real local environmental benefits and fuel burn reductions."

Stansted Airport recently showcased its green credentials, including a woodchip biomass boiler in its new terminal extension, at the Airport Operators Association regional conference.

Posted by Kate, 09 October 2009 11:26

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