 "Domestic airlines have cut fuel emissions, says DGCA report")
Implementation of fuel saving measures and induction of new efficient planes has helped Indian airlines to improve fuel efficiency and control emissions.
Total carbon emissions by Indian airlines increased in 2013 over 2012 due to an introduction of new routes and an increase in aircraft movements. Emissions measured on an unit basis, though higher than global average, declined, says Directorate General of Civil Aviation report on carbon footprint in aviation for 2013.
The DGCA study records data on emissions of both domestic airlines and foreign airlines. However emissions are recorded only on outbound departures for international flights.
Indian airlines contributed to about 11.9 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions in 2013 compared to 11.5 million tonnes in the previous year a growth of 3.37% over previous year. Emissions of foreign airlines declined 3.9% to 3.6 million tonnes. Total airline related emissions rose to 15.6 million tonnes in 2013, a rise of 1.57%.
Airline emissions account for about 95% of aviation emissions and the rest are reported from airports.
While total number of aircraft movements in India increased by 3.6% in 2013 over 2012, carbon emissions per flight reduced 0.22% (8706 kilograms to 8687 kilograms).
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However emissions by Indian airlines measured on revenue tonne kilometre basis (revenue load in tonne multiplied by distance flown) remain higher than the global average. Emissions declined to 0.96 kilograms of carbon dioxide per RTK in 2013 from 0.99 kilograms but is higher than global average of 0.95.
Fuel efficiency measures taken by Indian airlines and airports- Air India - Use of Pratt & Whitteny's engine wash to help reduce fuel consumption by 1.2%
- Blue Dart - Use of single engine taxi procedures
- GoAir / IndiGo - Airbus A320 fitted with sharklets which reduce fuel burn by 3-4%
- Jet Airways - Implementation of Integrated Emissions Management System. Monitoring and reduction of weight of cabin and galley items
- SpiceJet - Fuel management practices have reduced emissions by 0.5% per flight. Single engine taxi procedures.
- Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and Hyderabad airports are participating in Airport Carbon Accreditation programme for reducing emissions.
Source - DGCA