Aviation and the environment

Transport Scotland recognises the importance of air travel to our national and regional economic prosperity and the benefits that affordable air travel brings.

Aviation currently accounts for around 12% of Scottish transport emissions; it is the mode of transport showing the largest emissions growth. The challenge for all governments, including the Scottish Government, is to mitigate the external impacts of aviation whilst recognising the economic and social benefits that aviation brings.

We welcome aviation’s inclusion in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme from 2012. This will place a cap on emissions from aviation and incentivise further investment in new and more efficient aircraft technology and alternative fuels. The scheme will cover all departing and arriving flights in Europe but includes an exemption for certain lifeline services including those Public Service Obligation flights operating in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

Whilst most of the policy levers available to deal with aviation emissions are not held in Scotland, by including both domestic and international aviation in its Climate Change Act, the Scottish Government is showing global leadership in addressing the environmental impact of aviation.