Global measures to address aviation’s environmental impact were agreed at a meeting of the two hundred and fifty experts of ICAO’s Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP), which concluded recently.
Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, President of the Council of ICAO, recognized that “In the 35 years since the CAEP was established, the scope of work and the technical areas which it covers have widened. Yet, despite the monumental challenges set before it, the CAEP remains a tremendous example of international cooperation.”
The main outcomes of the meeting are includes new stringency level that would limit the emissions of non-volatile Particulate Matter (nvPM) from aircraft engines. The ICAO standard is expected to drive technologies to address non-volatile particulate matter, which in the long run will minimize their potential environmental and health impacts.
The meeting also delivered new technology goals for the sector, including improvements of aircraft noise, fuel efficiency etc.
Also, agreement has been achieved on the means to calculate and claim the benefits accrued from the use of sustainable aviation fuels within the context of CORSIA. This is significant in terms of reducing airlines’ offsetting requirements.
In addition, CAEP has delivered a recommendation for the rules and procedure for the ICAO Council’s Technical Advisory Body (TAB), which will evaluate the eligibility of emissions units for use in CORSIA.
CAEP also considered the progress that has been achieved towards supersonic transport operations, and agreed that an exploratory study should be undertaken. CAEP will also assess how to certify other new technologies such as hybrid and electric aircraft as part of its future work.