Changi Airport Group and IATA launch Environment Exhibition

Changi Airport Group (CAG) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have highlighted aviation’s commitment to the environment, with the launch of the Changi Airport Group & IATA Environment Exhibition at Singapore Changi Airport.

The exhibition was inaugurated by IATA’s Director-General and CEO, Mr Giovanni Bisignani, and CAG’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Lee Seow Hiang. The exhibition, at Changi’s Terminal 3 Departure Hall, will run until 28 February 2010.

 Through the displays, visitors to the exhibition are guided on a “journey” from the inception of powered flight to present day aviation in a structure that resembles a futuristic aircraft engine. This journey illustrates the key elements of IATA’s four-pillar strategy on the environment – focussing on technology, operations and infrastructure.

For example:

• Continuous descent approaches which reduce carbon emissions by up to 630kg per landing.

• Reducing weight on board aircraft: loading 1kg less on every flight would save 170 million kg of fuel annually.

• In total, IATA’s work to reduce emissions through more efficient routings, best practices in fuel efficiency and more efficient flying has saved over 70 million tonnes of CO2 emissions since 2004.

The journey through the stand extends to the future, exploring new technologies such as algae-based biofuels, solar power and fuel cells that could provide the building blocks for developing a carbon emission-free plane in the next 50 years.

The exhibition, which is free and open to the public, also highlights CAG’s commitment to the sustainable growth of Singapore’s aviation sector as part of the Changi Goes Green drive. The three key areas under “Changi Goes Green” are:

• Collaboration: CAG will work together with airport partners to reduce the impact of the airport’s activities. This includes test-bedding and implementing green technologies and initiatives

• Awareness: CAG will create environmental awareness within the airport community

• Continual Improvement: CAG will pursue continual improvement in the five areas of energy efficiency, management of emissions, waste management, water management and noise management.

“Environment is a top priority for the aviation industry. Airlines, airports, air navigation service providers are united and committed to three sequential targets on environmental performance. These are (1) improving fuel efficiency by an annual average of 1.5% to 2020, (2) stabilizing emissions from 2020 with carbon neutral growth and (3) cutting emissions in half by 2050 compared to 2005. This stand explains to travellers how the industry will achieve these targets with a strategy that included investment in technology, effective operations, efficient infrastructure and economic measures,” said Mr Bisignani.

Re-affirming Changi’s commitment to sustainable practices with the “Changi Goes Green” drive, Mr Lee said, “Changi Airport is a busy air hub, with over 37 million passenger movements last year. With all the activities present at the airport, Changi is a key contributor to Singapore’s economy. Together with everyone at the airport, we can steer our business decisions and actions towards making a positive and sustainable impact on the environment and community.”

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