Anna Patient of the Air Transport Action Group talks about working for an organisation which aims to reduce the effects on the environment caused by flying.

1 What is the aim of the company for which you work?

I work for the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), which brings together organisations and companies from throughout the air transport industry that are committed to addressing the environmental challenges it’s facing. It’s the only global association that represents all sectors of the air transport industry. Recently, we’ve launched an environmental communications initiative called Enviro.aero, which aims to provide information to the public on the initiatives the industry’s undertaking to minimise its impact on the environment.

2 What prompted you to work for this company?

I love the diversity that ATAG offers – it makes it a great organisation to work for. I get to work with everyone from big airplane manufacturers, such as Boeing and Airbus, to air navigation service provider associations like CANSO. You really feel like you’re working in the heart of the industry here.

3 What has been the hardest aspect of your job?

Well, although I love working with so many different companies and organisations, the flip side of the coin is that it’s often a real challenge to identify the common ground between them all. However, one thing is clear regarding environmental issues; ATAG members and those supporting the Enviro.aero initiative are committed to meeting the challenge of climate change.

4 What is the funniest thing that has happened to you in your job?

The funniest thing? When I was working on the website, I remember drawing up some images of exactly what I had in mind. A couple of days later, a colleague asked me if I had young nephews or nieces – presuming they were responsible for the scribbles pinned to my wall! Needless to say, I won’t be leaving any of my ‘artwork’ lying around the office again…

5 Is there anything you would do differently with the benefit of hindsight?

Not a thing! I work at the heart of the industry I love – there’s not much more I can ask for, is there?

Thanks for talking to Europe a la Carte. The impact of aviation on the environment is a very contentious issue currently with the recent direct action protests at Heathrow airport. I read the pilots association had asked for a meeting with the protesters to have a rational discussion, According to Government figures aviation is responsible for only 7% of UK carbon emissions with other domestic transport accounting for 25%, residential another 25% and industry and business 42%. The Guardian newspaper has a very insightful article in to the complexities of choosing the greenest method of travel.