Aviation & Airport Expansion

 

The Green Party seeks a reduction in the amount and impact of air transport, believes that we should be planning for less air travel and condemns the expansion of airports, including new runways. People should not be encouraged to transport goods via air transport or to take short weekend breaks. Evidence shows that these activities add disproportionately to heating up our planet and increase the dangers from climate change. We should make use of more locally sourced products and get more out of what is immediately around us.

Expansion to airports causes risks to local residents, from increased noise, extra strain on the surrounding roads and air pollution. Endless growth in the aviation sector is not in line with our commitment to climate change. Aircraft burn more fossil fuel per passenger or ton-mile than other modes of transport. 

What would The Green Party do to combat growth of the aviation industry?

• The Green Party would implement tougher regulation of aircraft emissions in all categories of chemical pollutants, including greenhouse gases, and of noise, and would introduce tougher emission and noise standards for new aircraft types. The worst kinds of aircraft, such as Concorde and any further supersonic transport aircraft, would be banned, as would night flights over populated areas.

• A rolling programme is needed to phase out older and more damaging aircraft. Meanwhile, the use of such aircraft should be restricted.

• As heavier aircraft have to use more power, burning more fuel and producing more emissions and noise, permitted loads would be reduced.

• The Green Party would regulate more strictly the use of helicopters. These operate in more locations and at much lower heights than almost all other aircraft. Helicopters and heliports are extremely noisy to those nearby.

You can find out more about The Green Party's aviation policies HERE.