Brunei, RBA Environmental Efforts Lauded
By Za'imZaini

Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei is taking positive steps towards its commitment to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the aviation industry by discussing the environmental issues through holding the Asia Pacific Aviation Environmental Forum, which is going towards an environmentally friendly industry.

This was stated by Mr Martin Tasker, Technical Director of Association ofAsia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) at a press conference held yesterday, at The Empire Hotel and Country Club.

"This positive step clearly shows that Brunei is committed towards environmental issues by coming as host for the forum that is held for the first time in the AsiaPacifc region," said Mr Tasker.

The Technical Director lauded the initiative made by Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA) in organising the event, saying that it should be made as an example as it is "playing a serious role in handling environmental issues as well as exposing the issues that will endanger the future of the people of the planet".

Touching on matters discussed at the event, Mr Tasker said that the forum looked into two main areas, namely the technical issues surrounding noise, local air quality and global emissions and how to respond to such issues on the political level. Highlighting the challenges, Mr Tasker said aviation contributes' to two per cent of global emissions while the other 90 per cent comes from other industries.

"Therefore aviation is a small part of the problem," he said, adding that "we do recognise our responsibilities and try to reduce our contribution".

In referring to alternative methods of reducing the carbon effect, Mr Tasker said taxation is not effective due to the increase in fuel prices and does not impede the growth of the industry.

"We look at other means to reduce carbon emissions by looking at economic measures such as emissions trading, which is working with other industries and buying what we call `carbon allowances'," he said.

The Technical Director of AAPA added that "all in all, the forum has been a success". Also at the press conference yesterday, AAPA Forum Secretary Mr Khalid Hussain spoke on the benefits the forum would bring to Brunei. "By having the forum it will give exposure on environmental issues such air pollution and sound pollution and generate awareness among the public where they will, bee able to take an active role to reduce environmental pollution," he said.

The forum, which ended yesterday, is believed to have achieved its objective in generating awareness on the issues that the airline industry in the region is facing pertaining to the environment, where the aviation industry should take steps and actions to ensure a safer, more effective and environmentally friendly industry.

Among those present at the press conference were Kevin Foo, the Forum Secretary, Hj Rozman bin Hj Junaidi, Vice President of RBA and Hj Hassan Tengah, Executive President Airlines Operations.  -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Click Here To Have Your Say On This Story

Brudirect.com News

Brunei's Fastest Growing Website with