The Government of New Zealand has submitted new plans to reduce air travel emissions to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Entitled ‘New Zealand Aviation Emissions Reduction Action Plan’, the new plan covers current and planned measures for government, air traffic controllers, airports and airlines to address aviation emissions.

New Zealand Transport and Associate Climate Change Issues Minister Simon Bridges said: “Transport accounts for around 17% of New Zealand’s emissions and the government is doing a number of things to reduce this, including tackling aviation emissions.

"Our key response to climate change is the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme, which was the world’s first major ETS to affect airlines."

“Our key response to climate change is the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme, which was the world’s first major ETS to affect airlines.

“We’re also addressing the environmental impacts of aviation through economy-wide emissions targets, by promoting biofuels and renewable electricity, and with research on passenger and freight trends that helps inform public and private sector planning.”

New Zealand is also set to join an international agreement to reduce carbon emissions from air travel.

Bridges added: “While international aviation is not included in the recent Paris Agreement, the government has flagged its intention to voluntarily join a global measure under development by the ICAO.

“New Zealand will support the ICAO Global Measure Resolution and participate from Phase I, which commences in 2021, provided other developed countries and the majority of major aviation states also agree to do so.”

The country also plans to introduce more efficient aircraft to reduce emissions.