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We've Worked Out, On A Global Basis; We're Talking About Billions Of Tonnes ...

We've worked out, on a global basis; we're talking about billions of tonnes of CO2 savings just on that idea alone." Arriving aircraft could also be towed to the stand by a tug meaning they could turn their engines off five minutes after touching down. Virgin Atlantic believes the "starting grid" system would reduce fuel consumption before planes take off by between 50%-90%. People living close to airports would also benefit from lower noise levels and cleaner air.
In addition, the adoption by all airlines of a slower and smoother method of descent could significantly reduce the amount of fuel burnt when planes come into land, according to Sir Richard. The current approach favoured by most airlines involves planes descending in several steep steps that burn more fuel.
Sir Richard also called for a single European air traffic control system, which could "optimise" the use of airspace. Now there are 35 different air traffic control organisations operating in Europe, compared with just one in the US. The International Air Transport Association has predicted that 12% of global aviation CO2 emissions could be saved if air traffic control systems were more efficient. (Branson urges cooperation on climate change, 2006)
Very clearly, Richard Branson's suggestions are valid and could act as a starting point for further activity in the area. They have furthermore found support, both from airlines like British Airways, and environmental protection groups like Friends of the Earth.
It is evident that new thoughts and solutions will have to come into play to overcome the spectre of large-scale environmental damage, which can occur because of further increase in air travel and proliferation and expansion of airports. Airport management companies, like Manchester Airport Group, even though they have the best of intentions, have very little to offer by way of concrete long term solutions. Their efforts are, at best, limited to ways and means to restrict the amount of likely damage. In such difficult circumstances, it may possibly be a very good idea to listen carefully to the environmental groups and take action to slowdown expansion plans, especially in extremely busy airports like Manchester, until significant corrective measures for control of the negative impact of airports on their surroundings are devised and implemented.

Bibliography
Aviation and the Environment, 2004, Aviation Environment Federation, Retrieved February, 13, 2007 from www.aef.org.uk/campaigns
Aviation and the Environment, 2003, York Agencies, Retrieved February 15, 2007 from aviation-and-the-environment-using-economic-instruments.doc
Ayres, E. 2001, Airports and Cities: Can They Coexist?. World Watch, 14, 23+.
Branson urges cooperation on climate change, 2006, Guardian unlimited, Retrieved February 15, 2007 from environment.guardian.co.

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