Clearing the Air
Wednesday, 23 May 2007 00:00
Air Botswana’s Chief Executive Officer dispels some myths about air travel.
WELCOME on board Air Botswana.
There are many misconceptions about aviation, and because you are a passenger, and therefore a stakeholder in the national airline, I think it important that I should dispel some of them for you.
Consider this:
Myth: Air transport is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions.
Fact: Air transport contributes only 2 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions. By contrast, the air transport industry supports 8 per cent of global economic activity. The impact of reducing air travel would be disastrous on the world economies.
Myth: Air transport is the most polluting form of transportation.
Fact: Airline fuel efficiency improved by 20 per cent in the last decade – and by nearly 5 per cent over the past two years alone. Today’s modern aircraft consume, on average, 3.5 litres per 100 passenger kilometres. Taking the number of passengers into account, this equates to the consumption of a small compact car, but of course with six times the speed. Today’s aircraft are 75 per cent quieter than those of 20 years ago, and a further 50 per cent reduction in noise during takeoff and landing is expected by the year 2020.
Myth: Air transport is getting a free ride by not paying tax on fuel.
Fact: Air transport pays entirely for its own infrastructure – to the tune of US$42 billion every year. Airlines pay when they land, when they fly, and when they park, in sharp contrast to the road and rail industries. Air transport has occupancy rates above 70 per cent, more than double those of road and rail.
Myth: Air transport growth is not sustainable.
Fact: Air transport is essential. Air transport brings people to businesses, products to markets, tourists to holiday destinations and unites families and friends around the world. Air transport made the global village a reality. Around 80 per cent of aviation emissions are related to flights exceeding 1500 kilometers for which there is no alternative mode of transport.
Myth: Air Transport does nothing for the environment.
Fact: Airlines take environmental performance very seriously. Over the past 40 years emissions per passenger kilometre have dropped by no less than 70 per cent.Coming home, let me add that the aircraft operated by Air Botswana are noted for their fuel efficiency, low emission and low noise levels. The 47-seat ATR42-500 advanced turbopropeller has a remarkably low fuel burn, and the 75-seat BAe 146 is known the world over as the ‘whisperjet’.
So there you have it. You can travel in the knowledge that you are supporting a responsible industry, which contributes to our blue planet in many ways.
Thank you for flying Air Botswana.
On behalf of the airline team I wish you well wherever your journey takes you. We look forward to welcoming you back on board soon.
Lance Brogden
Chief Executive Officer
WELCOME on board Air Botswana.
There are many misconceptions about aviation, and because you are a passenger, and therefore a stakeholder in the national airline, I think it important that I should dispel some of them for you.
Consider this:Myth: Air transport is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions.
Fact: Air transport contributes only 2 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions. By contrast, the air transport industry supports 8 per cent of global economic activity. The impact of reducing air travel would be disastrous on the world economies.
Myth: Air transport is the most polluting form of transportation.
Fact: Airline fuel efficiency improved by 20 per cent in the last decade – and by nearly 5 per cent over the past two years alone. Today’s modern aircraft consume, on average, 3.5 litres per 100 passenger kilometres. Taking the number of passengers into account, this equates to the consumption of a small compact car, but of course with six times the speed. Today’s aircraft are 75 per cent quieter than those of 20 years ago, and a further 50 per cent reduction in noise during takeoff and landing is expected by the year 2020.
Myth: Air transport is getting a free ride by not paying tax on fuel.
Fact: Air transport pays entirely for its own infrastructure – to the tune of US$42 billion every year. Airlines pay when they land, when they fly, and when they park, in sharp contrast to the road and rail industries. Air transport has occupancy rates above 70 per cent, more than double those of road and rail.
Myth: Air transport growth is not sustainable.
Fact: Air transport is essential. Air transport brings people to businesses, products to markets, tourists to holiday destinations and unites families and friends around the world. Air transport made the global village a reality. Around 80 per cent of aviation emissions are related to flights exceeding 1500 kilometers for which there is no alternative mode of transport.
Myth: Air Transport does nothing for the environment.
Fact: Airlines take environmental performance very seriously. Over the past 40 years emissions per passenger kilometre have dropped by no less than 70 per cent.Coming home, let me add that the aircraft operated by Air Botswana are noted for their fuel efficiency, low emission and low noise levels. The 47-seat ATR42-500 advanced turbopropeller has a remarkably low fuel burn, and the 75-seat BAe 146 is known the world over as the ‘whisperjet’.
So there you have it. You can travel in the knowledge that you are supporting a responsible industry, which contributes to our blue planet in many ways.
Thank you for flying Air Botswana.
On behalf of the airline team I wish you well wherever your journey takes you. We look forward to welcoming you back on board soon.
Lance Brogden
Chief Executive Officer
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