European airspace reform would slash CO2 emissions by 10% each year, says EasyJet

Modernisation of European airspace could help the aviation industry eliminate 18m tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year, according to UK budget carrier EasyJet. EasyJet bases its estimate on a study of its own operations carried out using artificial intelligence which monitored every one of its flights over a 12-month period. Analysis of that data shows “airspace inefficiencies” across Europe caused a 10.6% increase in CO2 emissions, equivalent to more than 663,000t. “If EasyJet were able to fly straight and at the right altitude, we would tomorrow burn more than 10% less fuel, for us that’s about 663,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions,” CE Johan Lundgren told an event at Cranfield University on 4 September. “If you extrapolate that across the whole of European aviation it would be 18m tonnes less CO2.” EasyJet says a “significant proportion of this efficiency” occurs around terminal airspace, particularly during descent “largely due to outdated or poorly designed lower airspace”, it says. While the problem is Europe-wide, the carrier says “the greatest inefficiencies” are in the UK – with seven of the 10 least efficient routes into London Gatwick airport, its main base in the country. The southeast of England is a “a particular problem area due to high demand and capacity constraints,” it adds. David Morgan, EasyJet COO, says airspace reform is the “quickest way” to reduce CO2 emissions.<br/>