As more 350 air transport leaders make preparations for the World Route Development Strategy Summit in Abu Dhabi, one of the event’s speakers has laid out his views on the future challenges facing the industry.

In an exclusive pre-summit interview, captain Chris Schroeder, Qatar Airways’ head of CSR, environment and fuel projects explained his views on how environmental issues and the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape surrounding them will impact his airline.

He said: “Environmental issues are high on the agenda, with the European Union’s Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), a growing patchwork of ETS’s around the world, the evolving role of ICAO and the much anticipated global framework as an outcome of the forthcoming ICAO General Assembly in 2013.

“Will aviation have to pay even more due to added taxes for emissions other than CO2? What is the impact on air fares?”

Qatar Airways, one of the fastest growing airlines on the planet, has grand ambitions - not only to add more routes and carry more passengers and cargo, something at which it is already succeeding.

The airline plans to play a leading role in shaping the future of sustainability within aviation, which is one of Schroeder’s main responsibilities.

“We are at the forefront of the development of alternative fuels.

“Our national bio jet fuel R&D project will be delivering results in the next few years.

“The New Doha International Airport will be supplied exclusively with Gas to Liquid Blend Jet Fuel.”

In reference to the upcoming 18th World Route Development Forum , which takes place in Abu Dhabi, Schroeder said: “The Summit provides a unique platform to discuss all pressing issues aviation is faced with and will be faced with.

“Regional as well as international issues can be addressed among a group of calibre aviation professionals and government representatives.

“The networking opportunities are second to none and attendance of this important event is a must for every aviation professional.”

With over 40 airline chief executives confirmed, in addition to hundreds of other leaders from airports, governments, industry associations, every stakeholder from across the aviation spectrum is represented at this summit.