NACC partners with the Government of Canada to prepare the Action Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from aviation

OTTAWA, June 4, 2012 /CNW/ - The National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC), representing Canada's four largest airlines, is proud to partner with the Government of Canada in this ground-breaking initiative to curtail greenhouse gas emissions. Building on the success of the world's first voluntary agreement to address greenhouse gas emissions from aviation, the Action Plan is an excellent example of industry and government working together to achieve meaningful results.

The Action Plan recognizes the value and importance of the significant investments made by NACC members in fleet renewal and cleaner, cutting-edge technology, and underlines the need for more efficient air operations, as well as improved capabilities in air traffic management as critical measures in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

"Our members strive to reduce their environmental impact. We collaborate with all our partners and emphasize a comprehensive approach based on the International Air Transportation Association's four-pillar strategy. This plan to reduce emissions involves investing in technology, improving operational efficiency, building efficient infrastructure and implementing positive economic instruments to provide incentives for air carriers.  The outstanding results achieved under previous agreements with the Government clearly indicate the effectiveness of such a multi-pronged approach", said George Petsikas, President of the NACC.

NACC members look forward to working with the federal government to reach an agreement at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for a global sector approach as a way to truly address the international nature of aviation emissions. Without it, ineffective approaches, such as regional market mechanisms (presented as local taxes and charges, or regional emission trading schemes), create a distorted playing field and inhibit the sector's ability to invest in its own solutions to reduce emissions.

The National Airlines Council of Canada is a trade association founded by Air Canada, WestJet, Air Transat and Jazz Aviation LP in order to ensure safe, sustainable and competitive air travel for Canadian consumers. For more information on the NACC's initiatives to improve aviation efficiency and reduce environmental impact, please see our report, Improving Aviation Efficiency and Reducing Emissions:  A NACC Framework, at http://www.airlinecouncil.ca/pdf/NACC_FuelEfficiency_Final_Eng.pdf.

Marc-André O'Rourke
Director, National Airlines Council of Canada Tel.: [phone]
mor[email protected]

Visit our website at www.airlinecouncil.ca