Doha Aviation Summit 2009 to conclude with Green Aviation Day

The 'Green aviation day' was introduced with the presentation by Quentin Browell, Assistant director, Aviation environment at IATA on "A global approach reducing aviation emission". IATA is calling on the governments the climate change negotiations in Copenhagen in December to adopt a global sectoral approach to reduce emissions. The industry has committed to certain targets including improving fuel efficiency with 25% by 2020, carbon neutral growth from 2020 and reducing emissions with 50% by 2050. Quentin Browell explained how the 4-pillar strategy will lead to achieving these targets and why governments need to think globally when aviation is concerned.

The 'Green Aviation' panelists talked about the carbon free future of aviation providing different perspective on development and deployment of new technologies, efficient usage of infrastructure, progress and utilization of alternative fuels and the role of the government and institutional bodies in ensuring the carbon neutral growth. The panel participants included Kevin Welsh, Environmental regulatory affairs manager, Air Transport Association of America; Quentin Browell, IATA and Kurt Edwards, Senior International Advisor, US Federal Aviation Administration and Kati Ihamaki, VP - sustainable development, Finnair.

The agenda continued with the presentation of Jan Zuurbier, Vice president sales and support emerging markets, Alcatel - Lucent on 'Green ICT for the airport industry'. Most airports have decided to implement a 'green' strategic plan to reduce their environmental impact. The Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) have tremendous potential to contribute to reduction of gas and energy consumptions. Jan Zuubier commented on how much ICT development can affect an airport's green credential, reduce costs and increase revenue at the same time. He explained what the first steps are and how to incorporate ICT and Unified Communications (UC) into airport's green planning.

Further to the already existing technological solutions, alternative fuels development is one of the trends that interests industry experts. In the face of rising fuel prices, supply instability and the challenges to make aircraft emissions more environmentally friendly, alternative fuels are becoming a necessity. The panel 'Clean Skies - roadmap for alternative fuels' talked about the benefits of using alternative fuels, challenges during the development and commercialization of alternative fuels. Panelist included Capt. Chris Schroeder, Qatar Airways; Mohamen Al Sobai, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Qatar Fuel Company and Kurt Edwards, Senior International Advisor, US Federal Aviation Administration.

The following presentations focused on various existing case studies such the Airbus' Dispatch Towing that will considerably limit current operations' emissions while keeping the pilot in control of the aircraft. Speaking on behalf of Airbus was Christophe Cros and Timoteo Velasco on behalf of Banner Group.

The 'Green Aviation' day addressed the environmental issues in the industry and focused more on the discussion and bringing new solutions to the existing challenges. It was the concluding mark for Doha Aviation Summit 2009.