The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said the air will be filled with less carbon dioxide this year because of reduced air flights caused by the economic slowdown. Global aviation emissions will drop 6.5% to 623 million tons of carbon dioxide.
Airlines, executive jets, and airforces around the world are expected to reduce their annual contribution to emissions this year by 43 million tons. Last year global airline emissions registered 671 million tons, and this figure fell from the 666 million tons the previous year as carriers began reducing operations due to falling demand. About 12 million tons of emission reductions are due to the introduction of better efficiencies such as shorter routes and newer, more fuel efficient aircraft. IATA chief economist said “Airlines are continuing to take delivery of new fuel efficient aircraft and take older less efficient aircraft out of the fleet, despite the recession and credit crunch.”