Aviation

Call for global approach to reduce aviation emissions

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) brought the aviation industry's environmental goals to Copenhagen. Airlines, airports, air navigation service providers and manufacturers are calling for a global approach to reduce aviation emissions and are united in a commitment to improve fuel efficiency by an average of 1.5 percent per year to 2020; to stabilize carbon emissions from 2020 with carbon-neutral growth; and to a net reduction in carbon emissions of 50 percent by 2050 compared to 2005.

"We are the only global industry coming to Copenhagen with a strong track record and a commitment to cut our emissions in half by 2050.These goals clearly show that the aviation industry is even ahead of its regulators in its approach to climate change," IATA Director General and CEO, Giovanni Bisignani said, as he presented the industry position to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Cope-nhagen.

Bisignani's presentation was part of an official side meeting hosted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the UN's specialized agency for aviation. The Kyoto protocol gives ICAO the responsibility for aviation's international emissions.

Throughout ICAO's 65-year history, it has worked with industry to create the global standards that Governments around the world have implemented to ensure that aviation is safe, secure and efficient and environmentally responsible.

Bisignani called upon Governments to act. "The only way that we can meet our targets is by working in cooperation with Governments through ICAO. I call upon Governments in Copenhagen to give ICAO a clear mandate to report back to COP-16 with a Global Sectoral Approach that will enable the aviation industry to deliver real results against concrete targets," said Bisignani.

Singapore Airlines official airline

Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games:

Singapore Airlines is the Official Airline for the inaugural Youth Olympic Games (YOG) to be held in Singapore in August 2010.

The Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organizing Committee (SYOGOC) and Singapore Airlines have signed a sponsorship agreement, under which the Airline will provide air tickets, carriage of airfreight, as well as publicity of the Games through its proprietary media channels.

"We are delighted to have Singapore Airlines as our Official Airline. Singapore Airlines is our national and world-class carrier with a modern passenger fleet.

We can, therefore, be assured that key officials travelling for the inaugural YOG will have a pleasant trip on board with the excellent services provided by SIA. The partnership will also see joint efforts by SYOGOC and SIA to fly the Singapore flag higher and further," Chief Executive Officer SYOGOC Goh Kee Nguan.

Singapore Airlines will facilitate the handling of airfreight carrying Games-related equipment coming by air to Singapore from SYOGOC's international partners and contractors.

In addition, the Airline's proprietary channels such as SilverKris magazine, Priority magazine, SilkWinds magazine and in-flight Krisworld entertainment system will help to promote Singapore 2010.

This will increase the visibility of the Games and generate more buzz to air passengers travelling worldwide throughout the Group's extensive network of 99 destinations in 40 countries.

"As the Official Airline for the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games, Singapore Airlines is honoured to extend our support to these young sporting talent. Their dedication to sporting excellence will surely inspire youth athletes around the world to greater heights," Singapore Airlines Executive Vice President Marketing and The Regions Huang Cheng said. "By this sponsorship, Singapore Airlines hopes to contribute to the success of the first Youth Olympic Games."