Sion Airport is pioneering the use of biofuel. It has recently started marketing this product and has launched a research program for its ethical management.
Sion Airport has begun its biofuel distribution, made from vegetable oils and animal fats, known by the acronym SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel). For use, SAF must be premixed with fossil kerosene in appropriate production centers. “While the interest from aviation is clear, the enthusiasm remains subdued. This can be attributed to the price of SAF, but also to the current lack of mandatory legal framework, states Christophe Chollet, director of Sion Airport.
Sion Airport has put in place measures to enable it to remain at the forefront with regards to environmental issues. The airport’s organisational structure favours an integrated approach to environmental management that enables the continuous improvement of environmental performance in order to guarantee the sustainable development of Sion Airport in a way that respects the surrounding nature and population.
Respect for the environment involves both managing current pollution levels as well as constantly monitoring any potential new impacts.
Real progress has been made by the civil aviation services in addressing environmental priorities including controlling aircraft trajectories and enforcing operating restrictions.
Sion Airport is well aware that flying causes noise. In partnership with the authorities, pilots and associations, the airport team have put in place measures to limit noise pollution as far as possible.
For example, helicopter approach and departure procedures have been modified in order to avoid flying over inhabited areas whenever possible to reduce noise pollution.
