The SAP is a voluntary planning and reporting tool for States to communicate information on their activities to address international civil aviation’s CO2 emission concerns. It aims for better understanding of the share and projections of international aviation CO2 emissions, enhanced cooperation between all aviation stakeholders that can positively reflect on their operational areas, and the identification of the most relevant mitigation actions.

It also includes information on activities the Philippines has already undertaken and future mitigation strategies that it wants to meet with regard to CO2 emissions reduction in the sky.

“These mitigation measures include the development of Bio-Fuel (used cooking oil) as alternative fuel to improve air traffic management and infrastructure that will significantly reduce fuel burn and carbon emissions and the establishment of a performance-based navigation (PBN) system in all public aerodromes which increases airspace capacity, improves aviation safety, and reduces aviation activities’ environmental impact,” the CAAP said.

Apolonio said, as part of the green airport concept, all frequently used CAAP airports will now be installed with solar power systems to power up office lighting and small equipment as well as runways lights and lighted cones.

Author: Benjie VergaraA veteran reporter covering the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila. He is currently writing for Manila Times, the Philippines' oldest newspaper.