Ian Sheppard has acted as Editor International Show Editions for AIN since June 2013. Based in the Redhill, England, Ian reports for the various AIN publications as well as providing support to International Editor Charles Alcock in covering international air shows (such as Farnborough, Paris, Singapore and Dubai), and the EBACE and MEBA business aviation events. His central role is to cover Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
Prior to becoming more involved with AIN in mid-2011 (initially as deputy international editor), Ian worked for various aviation publications through his company, First Aerospace Media. This included being part of the AIN team covering daily news at international air shows.
Ian has worked for publications such as Flight International (technical reporter, 1997-8) and Aerospace International (editor, 1999-2000). He was publications manager at Airclaims (Ascend) between 2000 and 2004 before forming First Aerospace Media. Since mid-2009 Ian has also been managing editor of Regional International, the journal of the European Regions Airline Association (ERA).
Ian hasis working towards a European commercial pilot licence, having held an FAA private pilot license in 1991, and instructor rating. He also has a degree in aeronautical engineering from the University of Bath, England, and a graduate diploma in law from Kingston University, and is a graduate of the legal practice course (College of Law, Guildford).

Editor

Ian Sheppard

At the United Nations Climate Action Summit in New York yesterday, aviation industry organizations together with environmental groups called on governments “to set a timeframe for agreement on a long-term target to reduce CO2 emissions from air transport.” The industry representatives are hoping for agreement on a comprehensive 2050 goal for aviation CO2 by the next ICAO Assembly in 2022.

 


The summit took place ahead of the UN General Assembly and as government aviation representatives were preparing to meet in Montreal at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) summit, where discussions on the industry’s plans for sustainable growth are on the agenda. The ICAO meeting ends on October 4.

 


Michael Gill, executive director of the Air Transport Action Group, said at the UN summit: “Aviation…is growing to meet the needs particularly of developing economies, but we also recognize that with growth comes responsibility. The industry is committed to further reducing its climate impact.” He added that the long-term goal to halve net total CO2 emissions by 2050 “remains a robust and ambitious focus for industry action in line with the Paris Agreement.”

 


Gill added: “We urge governments also to adopt a pathway towards a UN-backed long-term goal for aviation and set in place the right policy environments to meet the needs of that goal. Importantly, those policies must be implemented by governments in the short-term to help build a foundation for meaningful long-term reductions in CO2. We can’t wait until 2049 to take action.”

 


With the ICAO-backed CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) scheme now launched and set to offset 80 percent of the post-2020 growth in international aviation CO2, Gill said he was “encouraged to see 81 States already on board with the voluntary phase” and urged “all other countries to consider being part of this historic venture.”

 


He noted that $40 billion in climate finance is expected to be generated through CORSIA. “This is the first such market mechanism to be rolled out for a single global sector and is seen as a measure that will help mitigate the growth in air transport emissions while longer-term solutions for CO2 are being ramped-up.”

 


Alexandre de Juniac, director-general and CEO of the International Air Transport Association, noted that the “most promising means to achieving a sustainable future is with sustainable aviation fuels (SAF)…but the potential of SAF is far from being realized because costs are too high. Governments must [therefore] play their role and set a comprehensive policy framework to support the commercialization of this critical key to sustainability.”

 


“Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) already powers a small percentage of flights, demonstrating aviation’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint," added Kurt Edwards, director-general of the International Business Aviation Council. "However, its wide availability at competitive prices remains a key hurdle. Industry urges governments to implement policies to incentivize the production and up-take of SAF to meet long-term CO2 reduction goals.”

 


Eric Fanning, chair of the International Coordinating Council of Aerospace Industries Associations, concluded the comments, saying: “Environmental performance is key for manufacturers. We’re spending billions on research and development to both make the next generation of aircraft and engines more fuel-efficient and explore the potential of new technologies—like electrification, lighter materials, and new designs—for reducing aviation’s impact in the longer term.”

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

Aviation Reps Call For Agreement on 2050 CO2 Target

Setting a clear CO2 target is critical if aviation is to respond and plan efficiently, while no clear alternatives to burning jet fuel yet exist.

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News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Manufacturer says solar power is part of efforts to reduce environmental footprint 

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News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

News about commercial airlines, including regulations, aircraft orders, safety, acquisitions, and mergers.

Green Flyways initiative is considering the potential for MD Aircraft's eViator commuter

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News, issues, personnel, equipment and developments about air traffic management.

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

UK’s ‘Operation Blue Skies’ to redirect commercial traffic in Shanwick airspace

North Atlantic Airspace-Scale Contrail Trial Underway

Curt Epstein

Emissions reduction indexes will help contrast economics with compliance mandates

Argus Releases Sustainable Aviation Fuel Evaluation Tool

Government-funded consortium to aims to connect remote communities 

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News and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and biofuel.

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Shift could come as the state's tax incentives change

Louisiana Could Supplant California as SAF Leader

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WoT? Experimental Elongated Airbus Wings To Fly Next Year

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News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

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