National carrier Saudia has taken a long green flight toward reducing aircraft carbon dioxide emissions into the European Union (EU) countries as part of a global emissions trading scheme, said Talal Aqil, assistant manager of air operations at Saudia. The fuel-guzzling industry has come under attack from environmentalists for its contribution to global warming. Analysts said they expect the measures, which are designed to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions blamed for global warming, will lead to an increase in fares Saudia has noticeably reduced fuel consumption of its flights to and from Europe, and thus has generated a good marginal profit, he said. Airlines, including Saudia, have been working hard to meet the deadline set by the EU to reach the carbon dioxide reduction target by 2012, he added. Last year, the European Parliament approved an EU Emissions Trade System that will come into effect in 2012. Under the scheme, after a compromise with the EU Council of Ministers, airlines will still be allowed to emit carbon, but those who produce less will be able to sell off their unused credits to airline companies whose crafts emit more. All flights starting and landing in Europe will be included in the plan.
