The year 2020 is sure to go down in our time capsule. While the varied lockdowns provided us with a delayed rebound (the time to recover to average emissions) for researchers to analyse actual reductions and calibrate the existing climate models, turn December 2020, PH-1 was awarded the Malta Intellectual Property Award 2020 for Scientific Emerging Innovation Initiative. The award was presented by Honourable Silvio Schembri Minister for the Economy and Industry.

Video Credit – Commerce Department

Following our article on the Ghost Flights published on the 8 March 2020, this afternoon, EU Commissioner, President Ursula von der Leyen gave a press release over the matter.

Video Credit – European Commission

“For instance, and this is just one example, aviation. The Coronavirus outbreak has a major impact on the European and international aviation industry. We see that the situation is deteriorating on a daily basis. Traffic is expected to decline further. This is why the Commission will put forward, very rapidly, legislation regarding the so-called ‘airport slots’. We want to make it easier for airlines to keep their airport slots, even if they do not operate flights in those slots because of the declining traffic. This is a temporary measure and this temporary measure helps both our industry, but it also helps our environment. It will relieve pressure on the aviation industry, and in particular on smaller airline companies. But it will also decrease emissions by avoiding the so-called ‘ghost flights’ – when airlines fly almost empty planes, simply to keep their slots. Again, this is just one example of a sector where help is needed and we are ready to act.” – President Ursula von der Leyen

It is hopeful that a rapid intervention to relax the 80/20 use it or lose it regulation will mitigate useless carbon emission emitted by aircrafts at high altitudes. Detailed information can be viewed on our original post here.