Cheap Flights: What They Really Mean for You.

Holidays abroad are an essential part of life for many of us. Cheap flights have helped millions of us travel to the sun. But the planes we fly on emit huge amounts of greenhouse gases, so the aviation industry is developing new ideas to reduce emissions with technologies such as new fuels and battery-powered planes. The BBC's climate editor, Justin Rowlatt, presenter Michelle Ackerley and science reporter Fran Scott investigate if it's possible to keep flying abroad with new greener options. They find out if the government's plans are realistic, what the alternatives are to flying and if the changes will make flights more expensive. Justin meets a high-tech company developing a futuristic-style aircraft powered by batteries. He investigates why the UK's leading air traffic control service provider is changing the routes we fly on and finds out if we should plant trees to offset the carbon dioxide from our flights. Michelle goes behind the scenes at Gatwick Airport to see what they are doing to cut carbon emissions. She investigates the frustrations of people living near airports and asks if airport expansion should be allowed. Michelle also visits a seaside town to get an insight into the pros and cons of holidaying at home instead of flying abroad. Fran discovers how new aviation fuels are being made at an oil refinery in Humberside. She gets to see the largest plane engine in the world at Rolls Royce's Derby factory and investigates the practicality of electric- and hydrogen-powered planes. (Senderinfo)