30-day sustainability trial at Cork Airport lands huge result

A 30-day trial recently launched at Cork Airport has resulted in estimated carbon dioxide savings of approximately 66,000 kilos — the equivalent of a flight from Dublin to New York.

Air traffic management company AirNav Ireland recently participated in an environmental initiative with Ryanair and Aer Lingus for aircraft arriving at Cork Airport.

The trial was to evaluate shorter arrival routings during quieter traffic periods.

This saw certain arrivals into Cork Airport being facilitated with new operating procedures, which helped reduce kilometres flown, fuel burn and CO2 emissions.

The results of the trial were released at the launch of the AirNav Ireland Sustainability Management Plan 2024-2029.

The plan was launched by Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Jack Chambers, at Cork Airport.

Mr Chambers said reducing emissions from aviation was one of the most serious challenges of addressing the climate emergency.

“AirNav Ireland’s plan is ambitious, it is deliverable, and it is a really strong example of the public sector leading by example in taking the actions required to meet our climate objectives.

“They already have a strong record of delivery and innovation in this area and I look forward to seeing this plan delivered on in the years ahead,” Mr Chambers said.

“Recent environmental trials have already yielded very impressive outcomes and I welcome their expansion in the future.

“These impressive results would not have been achieved were it not for AirNav’s engagement and collaboration with Cork Airport, Aer Lingus and Ryanair.”

Niall MacCarthy, managing director at Cork Airport said the airport was fully committed to playing its part in driving forward Ireland’s sustainable aviation agenda.

“We are Ireland’s number one semi-state commercial company for energy reduction, as determined by SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland) for two years running. We were delighted to work with AirNav Ireland, Aer Lingus and Ryanair to further reduce overall emissions from our airport as a result of this initiative,” Mr MacCarthy said.

Peter Kearney, CEO AirNav Ireland, welcomed the co-operation of the airport and airlines in these trials.

“This trial shows AirNav Ireland’s commitment to reduce Ireland aviation’s’ environmental footprint with the trial contributing to an estimated reduction of 66,000 kilos of CO2. Based on the results of the trial, AirNav Ireland, along with Irish airlines, will continue to look for innovative ways to safely introduce new environmental initiatives in Irish controlled airspace,” Mr Kearney said.

“We look forward to working with Aer Lingus, Ryanair and daa to continue to reduce CO in this sector.”