Aircraft Pollution (Hansard, 13 October 2003)

§ Lord Davies of Oldham

Aircraft are one of many emissions sources contributing to local air pollution in the vicinity of Heathrow and elsewhere. The Government are determined that the aviation industry will play its part in reducing emissions at source, particularly NO_x as NO₂ is the pollutant under greatest pressure. The Government push hard within the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) for tighter NO_x emissions standards and a decision on a new global NO_x standard is expected in 2004. The Government are supporting UK industry work towards achieving European emissions technology goals that include, by 2020, an 80 percent reduction in NO_x emissions compared with technology levels in current service. A key vehicle for promoting industry action is the DTI aerospace innovation and growth team report launched in June this year. The Government are also considering scope to use economic instruments that will promote development and use of best available technology.