Last year, the US Environmental Protection Agency gave its Stratospheric Ozone Protection Award to Lufthansa for ending CFC and methyl chloroform use. In 1988, Lufthansa used 40 tonnes of the chemicals. The airline has replaced them with aqueous-alkaline solutions and various alcohols. Unfortunately, in the US progress is slow. United's Environmental Management Program's only firm achievement seems to be in the recycling field.
Recycling is the environmental area where most airlines start.
Swissair and Cathay Pacific also run rigorous programmes. Dead vermin are removed and either incinerated or buried according to statutory guidelines. If conditions are set for airlines to improve their act, they will do so. Aircraft emissions are often not included in country pollution statistics. In the UK, emissions of aircraft flying above 900 metres are excluded.