The air transport industry has experienced strong growth during the last 40 years and forecasts indicate that this demand will continue to increase in the foreseeable future.

The environmental implications of meeting that demand are significant in terms of noise disturbance, air quality and climate change. It is essential that these challenges are addressed in an appropriate manner if the aviation industry is to achieve sustainable development, otherwise these environmental impacts will eventually act as a constraint to growth.

The UK Government believes that aviation should pay for its external environmental costs. The CAA supports this objective and works with other countries to develop more stringent global standards on aircraft noise and engine emissions, improved land-use planning, operational abatement procedures and market based economic instruments to encourage the use of quieter and cleaner aircraft.