An agreement has been struck by transport ministers from the 21 APEC nations to work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from aircraft.

In a joint statement issued after a recent meeting in Adelaide, the ministers said on March 30 that a working group would be established to address the issue as "a matter of urgency". A seminar will be held later this year to consider possible action.

The ministers also agreed to continue to encourage the take-up of biofuels as a way of dealing with land transport emissions.

Australian Transport Minister Mark Vaile, who chaired the meeting, described the decision as an important step in combating the effects of greenhouse gas.

"The commitment today from the APEC economies is a major step forward in adopting a global approach to climate change and Australia will do all it can to help support practical and realistic initiatives that meet the environmental challenges for the future," he said.

On March 29, Mr Vaile announced changes to the way aircraft fly and land in Australia. The changes are designed to cut emissions by hundreds of thousands of tonnes a year. They include more flexible flight paths, improved air traffic control sequencing to cut fuel burn, more efficient runway use and continuous descent approaches to reduce speed changes.

Several airlines, including Virgin Blue, offer carbon-offset schemes allowing passengers to pay firms that engage in environmentally friendly projects such as planting trees.