IATA welcomes G8’s aviation policy

IATA welcomes G8Æs aviation policy    Geneva-based International Air Transport Association (IATA) said it hopes that commitments made by governments during the G8 summit held in Scotland last week, aimed at improving the air transport industry, will be acted upon.
   The G8 Summit discussed civil aviation issues in connection with development, climate change and security.
   IATA said it welcomed the G8's commitment to a standardized and coordinated approach to security centered on International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), as well as the G8's approach to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions through operational enhancements, including for air traffic control and ground operations.
   IATA reiterated that it remains strongly opposed to any levy aimed at the air transport industry to finance development projects.
   'The G8 identified three vital areas for air transport. Governments' delivery on their promises is the critical next step,' said Giovanni Bisignani, director general and chief executive officer of IATA.
   'The G8 outlined a commonsense approach for aviation and climate change focused on efficiency. Worldwide, airlines could reduce their fuel consumption by up to 18 percent with optimized air traffic control,” he added.
   IATA urged governments to cut the number of providers of air navigation control services from the current 35.