Plan launched committing to take action to reduce aviation’s carbon footprint

AirNav Ireland Sustainability Plan 2024-2029 launched at Cork Airport.

AirNav Ireland has launched a sustainability management plan that commits to taking action to reduce aviation’s carbon footprint.

The plan was launched at Cork Airport by Transport Minister Jack Chambers and follows a recent environmental initiative.

It delivered an estimated 66,000 kilos of CO2 savings after a 30-day trial conducted by AirNav Ireland.

Participants included Cork Airport, Aer Lingus and Ryanair and the trial was designed to evaluate shorter arrival routes during quieter traffic periods.

These were made possible by new operational procedures that helped reduce miles flown, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Minister Chambers said:

“Reducing aviation emissions is one of the biggest challenges we face
tackling the climate crisis. AirNav Ireland Sustainability Management
Plan is ambitious; it’s achievable and it’s a very strong example to the public
sector that sets a good example in taking the measures necessary to comply with our climate
goals.
They already have a strong track record of delivery and innovation in this area and I’m watching
I look forward to seeing this plan become a reality in the coming years. Recent environment
trials have already produced very impressive results and I welcome them
expansion in the future.

These impressive results would not have been achieved without AirNavs
involvement and collaboration with Cork Airport, Aer Lingus and Ryanair.”

Donal Moriarty, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of Aer Lingus, said: “In addition
investments in new technology aircraft and use of sustainable aviation fuel,
Greater operational efficiency is a key pillar of our roadmap to net achievement
zero emissions by 2050 and Aer Lingus was delighted to take part in this trial
Cork Airport. The initiative has shown that emission reductions are possible
through effective advance planning by air traffic control, which allows aircraft to descend
more efficient. We look forward to continuing this strong working relationship.”

Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director of Cork Airport said: “At Cork Airport we do that
are fully committed to contributing to progress together with our stakeholders
Ireland’s sustainable aviation agenda. We are the largest semi-state in Ireland
commercial energy reduction company, as determined by SEAI (Sustainable
Energy Authority of Ireland) for two years in a row. We were happy to cooperate
AirNav Ireland, Aer Lingus and Ryanair will further reduce our countries’ total emissions
airport as a result of this initiative.”