Aviation chiefs pledged yesterday to address the industry's impact on climate change but shied away from concrete targets to reduce carbon emissions.

A declaration signed by trade bodies and aircraft makers commits the aviation industry to develop new technologies with the eventual aim of achieving carbon-free travel.

The signatories included trans-Atlantic rivals Boeing and Airbus, engine makers Rolls Royce and General Electric, as well as industry groups such as the International Air Transport Association, which represents more than 240 airlines around the world.