More f lights baffle experts
Despite messages to reduce air travel, Wellington Airport is planning for 25 per cent more flights by 2040.
Its plan for a $1 billion upgrade, released on Monday, says the airport also has a target for 30 per cent less carbon emissions by 2030 and almost double the amount of people using the airport in the next 20 years.
Experts say the plan for more flights does not align with reality.
Victoria University professor James Renwick, who has contributed to the International Panel on Climate Change’s work, said increasing flights was wrong in the context of climate change.
That $1b could be better spent elsewhere in the city, Renwick said. ‘‘There will be quite a few objections to this, and I’d hope it doesn’t go ahead.’’
The airport’s 2040 masterplan says achieving the 2030 target while expanding its operation would require it to adopt ‘‘energyefficient and sustainable construction’’ in its projects.
It was also supporting airline partners to reduce fuel consumption, and new generation aircraft would be lighter, more efficient and able to fly further, it said.
Auckland physics professor Shaun Hendy said to plan for even more air travel by 2040 didn’t stack up. ‘‘These plans don’t look realistic without a massive offsetting plan in place.’’
Even with future improvements to aircraft efficiency, Wellington’s ‘‘carbon neutral’’ 2030 goal would be hindered or even impossible with increased flights.
He estimated that net zero carbon 2030 goal wouldn’t be possible without several new, national park-sized areas of forestry.
It seemed the airport was one of many organisations grappling with the challenge, he said. ‘‘In the aviation industry, it’s very clear that things are a bit murky. There’s a responsibility for them to lead the way, and start factoring in these things properly.’’
Wellington Airport spokesman Greg Thomas said future aircraft would carry more passengers and would also be 20 to 30 per cent more fuel efficient. ‘‘Electric planes will be introduced onto domestic routes over time.’’
Extending the runway could also reduce forecast flights by 2040 as it would open up efficient, direct international routes.