The European Aviation Safety Agency launches today its Environment Week to celebrate the International Civil Aviation Day (December 7th) on the theme "Greening of Flight".


"We are green by design" said Patrick Goudou, Executive Director in his opening address "as environmental protection is built into our legal basis and is an integral part of our mandate".

"Further", he added, "we are convinced that environmental compatibility shall be addressed as early as possible during the life cycle of the aircraft and aeronautical products i.e. at the design phase."

In the area of environmental protection, the Agency focus is on aircraft noise and aircraft engine emissions, its main objectives being to:

• ensure that products parts and appliances that fall within its remit comply with the applicable requirements for environmental protection;
• issue the appropriate environmental certificates (i.e. the type-certificate data sheets for noise)
• maintain and update the regulations and certification specifications in the field of environmental protection; and to
• provide assistance and expert advice on environmental issue.

An exhibition, held on the premises of the Agency, features presentations, posters and videos to raise awareness and promote the work of the Agency in this area.

More detailed information on EASA and environment protection has been published on the Agency’s web site.

Note to Editors:
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) was established by the EU in 2002 and made operational in 2003 to promote the highest common standards of safety and environmental protection in civil aviation. The Agency's main tasks include the certification of aircraft and equipment as well as the approval of design, production and maintenance organisations. EASA drafts common rules and procedures in the area of aviation safety and provides technical expertise to the EU and its partners. Based in Cologne, the Agency currently employs 160 staff, a figure set to rise to 200 by the end of 2005 and to over 300 in the coming years.

Communications Contacts at EASA Communication Manager Tel.: + 49 (221)89990 2002 Fax: + 49 (221)89990 2502 Communication Officer Tel.: + 49 (221)89990 2008 Fax: + 49 (221)89990 2508

Office Address European Aviation Safety Agency Postal address: Postfach 10 12 53, D-50452 Cologne, Germany Visiting address: Ottoplatz 1, D-50679 Cologne, Germany Tel.: +49 (0)221 8999 0000 Fax: +49 (0)221 8999 0999 E-mail: info@easa.europa.eu Website:  http://easa.europa.eu