ABSTRACT
There has been growing interest in the environmental impact of aviation, both in terms of noise and aircraft engine emissions. Air cargo's contribution to global emissions is inflated by both operational and regulatory constraints. Lack of airport and air traffic control infrastructure leads to congestion and the additional fuel burn associated with holding in the air and on the ground. Reduction of aero-engine and aircraft noise has been achieved by means of imposing stricter standards for the certification of new aircraft, the total ban by the EU and US on aircraft that do not meet certain standards. Noise certification standards have been agreed through ICAO and implemented at the national level. More immediate relief can be obtained at a local level through economic incentives to improve operational procedures which can also be more cost effective for an airline. High fuel prices tend to force the retirement of uneconomic aircraft, as well as encourage airlines to operate as fuel efficiently.
