Commercial flights could cease in less than 60 years
The government has been urged to use all the money raised in air passenger duty (APD) to find greener fuels following a warning that there is only enough oil left for another 50 to 60 years of flying.
While more than £2 billion a year is raised in APD, not all of this money is used to improve aviation and government critics claimed recently that a large chunk of the cash has been diverted to prop up Britain's ailing banks.
Speaking at a global travel show last week, several aviation experts called on ministers to invest the money into finding alternative fuels that would reduce aircraft carbon dioxide emissions.
Airlines around the world are working to find cleaner, greener fuels but there is a danger that without government support they will not be able to meet their targeted 50 per cent reduction in emissions.
Stansted Airport's head of environment Dr Andy Jefferson said: "My concern is that this money (from APD) is going into lots of different government pots – the banks too probably – and not being put back into helping the aviation industry find a solution to the CO2 emissions crisis."
Manchester Metropolitan University's professor of sustainable aviation Callum Thomas added: "If we do not solve the technology solution then we will not enjoy the global mobility that we do today.
"We have about 50 to 60 years left of useable oil on this planet. This is how long we have left to deal with this issue."
Print this page | Send this article
Related Travel
- 12/03/2010 -
More flights to Turkey and North Africa
Holidaymakers planning to put together their own trips to Turkey, Egypt, Morocco or Tunisia - all of which fall outside the eurozone and offer great value for money for family holidays - will have more flights to choose from this summer following a big increase in services from both the charter airlines and the low-cost carriers.
- 12/03/2010 -
Holiday firms go retro and open more high street shops
There was a time when it seemed that the old fashioned travel agent was doomed as everyone sought the best holiday deals on the internet or booked cheap flights over the phone.
- 11/03/2010 -
Cruise trip to woo football fans with World Cup screenings
Ladies, the World Cup may not scupper your chances of going on holiday this summer after all as two cruise lines have promised to screen every one of England's matches on board their ships.
- 11/03/2010 -
Britons warned to be vigilant in Thailand
British holidaymakers visiting Thailand are being advised to take care this weekend when hundreds of thousands of Thais are expected to stage political demonstrations from Friday.
- 10/03/2010 -
Passengers told to pay more to stretch their legs
Holidaymakers flying economy to the United States will be able to buy seats with extra legroom from the middle of this month, but they will have to pay a high price for the luxury.
- 09/03/2010 -
Flights to Chile resume but Foreign Office travel ban remains
Flights to Chile have resumed following last week's devastating earthquake, but the Foreign Office is still advising tourists to steer clear of parts of the country worst hit by the quake.
- 09/03/2010 -
No frills hotels to open in London
You've heard of no frills airlines, well now no frills hotels that charge guests for 'extras' such as clean towels and air-conditioning will be opening up across London.
- 08/03/2010 -
British Airways strike set to be announced on Tuesday
British Airways has until tomorrow (Tuesday) to reach a deal over staffing levels, pay and working conditions or its disgruntled cabin crew will announce strike action.
- 05/03/2010 -
Tickets on sale for World Cup in New Zealand
With all the fuss surrounding the FIFA World Cup in South Africa this year it's easy to overlook the fact that there's another sport in which England have been far more successful in recent history - rugby.
<< back to latest insurance news