IAPA has long represented the interests of its members around the world. In support of your concerns as airline customers we actively partake in events, forums, industry panels and task forces that deal with commercial aviation issues that matter to you the most.

KLM becomes the first airline to test a flight powered by bio-fuels while carrying passengers. A KLM Boeing 747 has been prepared to operate, with a select group of passengers, with one of its four engines powered by a 50-50 mixture of bio-kerosene and conventional jet fuel. It seems like a small amount but every journey begins with a single step and the aviation industry seems to be willing to take them.

Struggling to earn revenue, many airlines are finding it a challenge to make the necessary purchases to keep business flying smoothly. Fuel is among the largest of these purchases, but that's not stopping one group of airlines from seeking fuel alternatives that could save more in the long run and reduce harmful emissions too. We say bravo to that idea!

It's not unusual for an airline to lobby politicians for favorable legislation or other rulings. In fact, it's one of the many things they do when they're not busy flying you around the world ... for the most part. But when an airline asks its passengers to help in the battle where public opinion meets political will, it's usually over something the airlines feel strongly about – and want you to feel the same way as well.

Earth Day 2009. All around the globe, the aviation industry is racing to find ways to save fuel. The cost benefits to the industry are certainly a motivating factor. After a brush with near-death due to spiking fuel costs, the industry has begun to move more quickly to reduce consumption and also find alternative sources of power. Green is good, and if it saves money in the process, we're certainly not going to complain if this is what's motivating the industry.

Every race has a winner and a loser. When it comes to finding alternative ways to fuel jet aircraft, it turns out that there are nothing but winners. The testing of such fuels is on the rise and IAPA supports each airline entering a race where the only outcome is victory.

We all want cleaner skies. We're even encouraged that governments, even airlines, are in agreement that reducing greenhouse gases is a good thing for everyone. Sadly, this is where the friendly handshakes and pats on the back end. Without a globally consistent way to deal with aircraft emissions, efforts to clean the air could reveal a dirty little practice.

London's Heathrow airport (LHR), already among the world's busiest, is looking to add a third runway – a move supported by airlines, business and union leaders. Environmental and citizen groups are vehemently opposed to this expansion, citing noise and pollution concerns. The battle between business needs and environmental concerns is nothing new, but as airport and airspace improvements become a higher priority for governments and the aviation industry, can middle ground ever be reached?

Many in the airline industry eagerly bid good riddance to the year gone by, the aches and pains of 2008 still linger like an unshakeable cold. Looking after the concerns of its worldwide membership, IAPA is focused on several key areas of airline service. We'd like to offer our take on each of these for 2009.

The European Union has approved the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by imposing a buy and trade system for airlines taking off and landing at EU airports. The ruling will include non-European carriers. This has most airlines up in arms, warning that higher fares may result.