Question reference: S6W-06655
- Asked by: Liam McArthur, MSP for Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
- Date lodged: 23 February 2022
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Current status: Answered by Jenny Gilruth on 14 March 2022
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the statement by the Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport on 15 June 2021 regarding the greenhouse gas emissions statistics, in which it was confirmed that the 2019 emissions target was not met (Official Report, c. 35), what assessment it has made of the potential impact that extra flights to and from Scotland, arising from an expansion of Heathrow Airport, could have on its ability to achieve its targets.
Answer
The number of flights operating between Scotland and Heathrow in the future will be determined by demand, capacity, and competition from airlines serving other global hubs and how successful Scotland is in growing direct international connectivity. Similarly the environmental impact of these flights will depend on the type of aircraft and fuel used, with aerospace companies aiming to develop the first zero-emission commercial aircraft by around 2035. Detailed forecasting has not yet been carried out in respect of the possible future scenarios due to the high level of uncertainty around the different variables, for example the long term impact of COVID-19 on travel patterns, including demand for air travel.