Feb. 21, 2008 - A government-imposed cap-and-trade system for greenhouse gas emissions won't improve airline fuel efficiency - because economic pressures have already forced the aviation industry to take highly proactive efficiency measures, according to Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly. Writing in an editorial for CRO Magazine, Kelly outlines a string of fuel-saving initiatives already onboard at Southwest.

For example, the airline has invested millions in plane and engine upgrades, electric-powered ground services equipment, and new GPS technology that monitors in-flight progress to make routings more efficient. Southwest works with engine and airframe manufacturers to design more efficient aircraft, and is currently participating in a public-private partnership to develop commercially viable alternatives to petroleum-based jet fuel. In addition, the company has set up an employee-led Green Team to "search for ways to bring environmental stewardship to the forefront of business decisions, while remaining true to our low-cost philosophy."

"We have every reason in the world to be as fuel (and carbon) efficient as possible," Kelly writes. "It cannot be overemphasized that our own investments in new technologies and more fuel-efficient aircraft operating procedures have been the predominant and indispensable ingredient in our success."