Home

Airbus, Air Canada and BioFuelNet Canada push for new aviation fuels

Mon, 13 May 2013 13:42:46 GMT

Airbus, Air Canada and BioFuelNet Canada, hosted by Montreal’s McGill University, have formed a partnership to assess Canadian solutions for the production of sustainable alternative jet fuels with the long term goal to supply Air Canada. The first assessment is expected by the end of 2013. The partnership was announced today, at the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG) Aviation and Environment workshop in Montreal.

The partnership will provide a preliminary study of the different processes and raw materials available for alternative fuel production, exploring innovative new pathways and the overall sustainability of solutions.

"Air Canada has already operated two flights with biofuel and on each occasion we substantially reduced our emissions. We look forward to participating in this project to encourage the development of a source of alternative fuel in Canada. New technologies, such as alternative fuels, are one of the ways our industry plans to reduce its emissions to meet its target of carbon-neutral growth for 2020 and beyond,” said Paul Whitty, Director of Fuel Purchasing and Supply at Air Canada and Chair of the Air Canada Alternative Fuels Working Group.

Dr. Donald Smith, President of BioFuelNet and McGill University Professor said:

“Aviation biofuels are one of the most promising ways to reduce the aviation industry’s carbon footprint, making air travel more environmentally-friendly. Airbus is a key player in the field, dedicated to finding the most sustainable fuel sources for the future of air travel. This relationship with Airbus is of great importance to BioFuelNet Canada.”

“Any new alternative fuel has to work on existing and future aircraft without modification while meeting certification requirements. Airbus supports this project to ensure that the solutions are sustainable, affordable and technically suitable for all aircraft”, said Frédéric Eychenne, Airbus New Energies Programme Manager.

In June 2012, Airbus and Air Canada performed North America’s first “Perfect Flight” over international borders, cutting CO₂emissions by more than 40 percent compared to a regular flight. The commercial flight with passengers from Toronto, Canada to Mexico City, combined modern aircraft technology, sustainable alternative fuels, streamlined Air Traffic Management and best practice operations such as single-engine taxiing.

Airbus supports the certification and development of commercial quantities of sustainable alternative fuels for aviation through promoting innovative regional projects world-wide.

Technology Development Continues for Next-Generation Turbofan and Turboprop Engines

Wed, 08 May 2013 09:38:46 GMT

“GE Aviation is committed to the regional aviation segment, and we are looking to the future with our NG34 turbofan and CPX turboprop technology development programs,” said Allen Paxson, general manager of the CF34 Engine Program at GE Aviation. “We continue to develop advanced technologies and material to improve fuel efficiency, enhance durability and lower overall cost of ownership while maintaining our outstanding reliability that set the standard for regional aviation.”

The NG34 technology development program is focused on advances to lower specific fuel consumption (SFC) by at least 15 percent compared to current engines in this segment, up to 15 percent lower cost of ownership and 35 percent margin to CAEP/6 NOx emissions and 15 EPNdB margin to Stage 4 noise requirements while continuing the CF34’s 99.95 percent dispatch reliability. This year, testing is underway on the third eCore demonstrator. GE’s eCore program is the technology cornerstone for the next-generation turbofan engines and features a higher pressure ratio compressor and other advanced technologies and material.

The CPX turboprop technology development program is targeting the next-generation 70 to 90 seat turboprop airframe. The program will feature at least 15 percent lower SFC and will be designed for severe environments. The simple, modular design will incorporate proven GE technologies, and GE can provide an integrated turboprop propulsion system with one support team. Research on the CPX technologies continue in 2013 with a focus on enhanced propulsion system aerodynamics for noise and efficiency benefits.

GE Aviation, an operating unit of GE (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of jet, turboprop and turboshaft engines, components and integrated systems for commercial, military, business and general aviation aircraft. GE Aviation has a global service network to support these offerings. For more information, visit us at www.ge.com/aviation. Follow GE Aviation on Twitter at http://twitter.com/GEAviation and YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/GEAviation.

Virgin Australia, Brisbane Airport and SkyNRG plan to create Australia's first Bioport

Wed, 01 May 2013 09:07:43 GMT

The three parties have agreed to enter a memorandum of understanding which will see them work together towards the ultimate goal of enabling aircraft to be fuelled with sustainable bio-jet fuel at Brisbane Airport.

The feasibility study will involve researching the locally available feedstocks in Queensland, sustainable and cost-effective methods for transporting them and the most appropriate technology for converting them into biofuel. It is anticipated that the feasibility study will take 12 months to complete.

Virgin Australia Chief Operating Officer Sean Donohue said: “Virgin Australia is committed to developing a local sustainable supply of biofuel for use in our aircraft and we have set ourselves the target of 5% renewable fuel use from 2020.
“South-East Queensland is an ideal base for this project because it is one of our largest hubs and hosts many potential sustainably harvested feedstocks for biofuel, including woody weeds, crop residues and bagasse.

“We are excited to be working with Brisbane Airport Corporation and SkyNRG on this pioneering study which has the potential to support local jobs and Australian innovation and reduce our reliance on fossil fuel”, Mr Donohue said.
Roel Hellemons, Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) General Manager Strategic Planning and Development said: “Brisbane Airport aims to be the greenest of Australian airports and takes an active approach in supporting its partners to help achieve their environmental goals.

“BAC is proud to be a part of this exciting project to promote the development of sustainable bio-jet fuels in Queensland and we look forward to working with Virgin Australia and SkyNRG to facilitate the planning and development of infrastructure to deliver sustainable bio-jet fuel to airlines in a safe and sustainable way,” Mr Hellemons said.

Dirk Kronemeijer, Managing Director of SkyNRG said: “We strongly believe in Australia as potentially one of the best places in the world for developing sustainable jet fuels. We are therefore very pleased that our first announced bio-port outside Europe is going to be in Australia. We will do whatever it takes to turn this into a success by developing a local supply chain for sustainable jet fuel that is one day scalable and affordable.”
Queensland Premier Campbell Newman welcomed the announcement and supported Virgin Australia’s vision of using biofuel for its fleet.

“Today’s announcement is another vote of confidence in Queensland’s aviation and agricultural industries,” Mr Newman said.
“Queensland is a state that supports innovation and we congratulate Virgin Australia on undertaking this research to deliver a greener fuel source for commercial aviation.”

ACI Asia-Pacific welcomes more airports in becoming Airport Carbon Accredited

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:22:34 GMT

Witnessed by over 400 delegates, these three airports were honoured at the 8th ACI Asia-Pacific Regional Assembly which was held on April 23, in Phuket, Thailand, while they were presented with their certificates of various levels under Airport Carbon Accreditation.

Suvarnabumi International Airport has become Airport Carbon Accredited at Level 1, 'Mapping' level. Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport was upgraded from level 1 to Level 2, ‘Reduction’ level while Hong Kong International Airport has become the first Asia-Pacific airport to be Airport Carbon Accredited at Level 3, 'Optimisation' level. To achieve level 3, it is required to reduce airport’s CO2 emissions and engage with third party airport stakeholders to reduce more CO2 emission that the airport can guide and influence.

In congratulating the accredited airports, Mrs. Patti Chau, Regional Director of ACI Asia-Pacific said, “Airport Carbon Accreditation programme was first extended to our region in November 2011 and eight airports have been accredited since then. I wish to thank the airports in the region for their commitment in contributing to environmental sustainability. I am especially delighted to welcome Hong Kong International Airport as the first airport in Asia-Pacific to achieve the Airport Carbon Accreditation 'Optimisation' level.”

Airport Carbon Accreditation is the institutionally endorsed programme that independently assesses and recognises airports’ efforts to manage and reduce their CO2 emissions. Participating airports can be certified at 4 progressive levels of accreditation as follows: ‘Mapping’, ‘Reduction’, ‘Optimisation’, and ‘Neutrality’.

Accredited Asia-Pacific airports include:

Level 1, Mapping: Abu Dhabi International Airport
Changi Airport, Singapore
Suvarnabumi International Airport, Bangkok

Level 2, Reduction: Bengaluru International Airport, Bangalore
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai
Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad

Level 3, Optimisation: Hong Kong International Airport

Airport Carbon Accreditation was first launched by ACI Europe in 2009. In November 2011, the programme received support from ICAO and was extended to the Asia-Pacific region. Airport Carbon Accreditation is an independent programme administered by WSP Environment & Energy, an international consultancy appointed to enforce the accreditation criteria for airports. The administration of the programme is overseen by an independent Advisory Board. Airports must have carbon footprints independently verified in accordance with 2ISO14064 (Greenhouse Gas Accounting). Evidence of this must be provided to the administrator together with all claims regarding carbon management processes which must also be independently verified.

For more information about Airport Carbon Accreditation, please visit the website: http://www.airportcarbonaccreditation.org.

Airports Council International to Help Reduce Missed Passenger Connections and Delays

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:25:41 GMT

A-CDM minimizes delays and maximizes airport capacity by enabling key partners in the air transportation system to share vital aviation data necessary for improved aircraft turn-round times and pre-departure sequencing processes.

According to Angela Gittens, Director General of Airports Council International, "Information sharing underlies the smooth operation of any ecosystem and the air transportation system is no different. A-CDM will enable a more undisrupted passenger journey as aviation partners will have access to real-time data about flight arrivals and departures and baggage routing. It will help avoid delays, prevent missed connections and reduce costs for travellers and service providers alike. Airport operators, aircraft operators, ground handlers, air traffic control and air traffic management will share key information for the benefit of the system as a whole. As more airports implement A-CDM, we will see an aviation system more akin to a finely tuned orchestra than an ensemble of talented solo players. Airports in Europe have already achieved impressive benefits in passenger service, operational efficiency and cost reductions ACI will work with airports in other parts of the world to follow similar flight paths."

Montréal, 22 April 2013 – Today, Airports Council International (ACI) announced the launch of Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) in Africa, Asia-Pacific (including the Middle-East), Latin America-Caribbean and North-America.

Patti Chau, Regional Director of ACI Asia-Pacific said "The Asia-Pacific region will see a tripling of its traffic between 2013 and 2025. Our airports deserve innovative solutions to meet the challenges in front of us and manage such an increase in traffic. A-CDM will help our members fully utilize the existing airport infrastructure while delivering operational benefits, reducing costs, improving efficiency and preserving the environment. I strongly urge our airports to start implementing this great initiative while traffic is still manageable."

The launch of A-CDM follows the 25 June 2012 signing of a memorandum of cooperation between ACI and CANSO (Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation) on the promotion and implementation of A-CDM and follows the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) resolution on A-CDM stemming from its November 2012, 12^th Air Navigation Conference (ANC) in Montréal, Québec, Canada.

The 8^th ACI Asia-Pacific Regional Assembly, Conference and Exhibition that runs from 22 to 25 April 2013 in Phuket, Thailand will feature a session on "Airport Operations – Planning for the Future" where A-CDM will be introduced as a strategic solution to enhance airport operational efficiency and address capacity constraints in Asia-Pacific, the fastest growing market in aviation.

United Airlines Launches Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 10:17:02 GMT

CHICAGO, April 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines is launching a Sustainable Supply Chain (SSC) initiative in an effort to better understand the environmental performance of its suppliers and deepen relationships with its key supply chain partners. The initiative underscores United's effort to lead commercial aviation as an environmentally responsible company and builds on the airline's actions and commitment to environmental sustainability.

"We work with hundreds of suppliers so it's important for us to understand the environmental impact on our supply chain, and this new initiative allows us to be proactive," said Katrina Manning, United's vice president of technical procurement. "Focusing on our supply chain presents us with an opportunity to make responsible decisions to further strengthen our commitment to the environment."

The SSC program involves measuring and evaluating the sustainability of United's current suppliers' products and operations through a comprehensive survey, starting with those suppliers in traditionally high-risk industries as well as members of the airline's strategic supplier community. United will also integrate the environmentally focused questions into its request for proposal (RFP) process. Through implementation of the SSC program, United will evaluate whether the use of its suppliers' product or services would reduce the airline's impact on the environment.

"We are pleased to launch this program that demonstrates our commitment to working with key supply chain partners on environmental issues," said Jimmy Samartzis, United's managing director of global environmental affairs and sustainability. "We will not only incorporate environmental considerations into our purchasing decisions, but will also seek to identify opportunities to collaborate with our suppliers to improve the environmental profile of the products and services we use."

In 2014, United will seek to establish targets for improvement and begin to communicate those expectations to its suppliers.

The SSC initiative is aligned with the airline's participation in the United Nations Global Compact, which encourages its signatories to promote environmental practices throughout their supply chain. United was the first U.S. airline to join the Global Compact. For more information on United's commitment to environmental sustainability, visitwww.united.com/ecoskies.

About United
United Airlines and United Express operate an average of 5,446 flights a day to more than 370 airports across six continents. In 2012, United and United Express carried more passenger traffic than any other airline in the world and operated nearly two million flights carrying 140 million customers. United is investing in upgrading its onboard products and now offers more flat-bed seats in its premium cabins and more extra-legroom economy-class seating than any airline in North America. In 2013, United became the first U.S.-based international carrier to offer satellite-based Wi-Fi on long-haul overseas routes. The airline also features DIRECTV® on nearly 200 aircraft, offering customers more live television access than any other airline in the world. United operates nearly 700 mainline aircraft and has made large-scale investments in its fleet. In 2013, United will continue to modernize its fleet by taking delivery of more than two dozen new Boeing aircraft. The company expanded its industry-leading global route network in 2012, launching nine new international and 18 new domestic routes. Business Traveler magazine awarded United Best Airline for North American Travel for 2012, and readers of Global Traveler magazine have voted United's MileagePlus program the best frequent flyer program for nine consecutive years. United is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to 194 countries via 27 member airlines. More than 85,000 United employees reside in every U.S. state and in countries around the world. For more information, visit united.com or follow United onTwitter and Facebook. The common stock of United's parent, United Continental Holdings, Inc., is traded on theNYSE under the symbol UAL.

United Airlines on Track to Save 85 Million Gallons of Fuel in 2013

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:58:43 GMT

CHICAGO, April 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines is honoring Earth Month by announcing its new goal to save 85 million gallons of fuel in 2013, equivalent to 828,750 metric tons of CO2 or roughly $275 million dollars at current fuel prices. Fuel is the airline's single largest expense and its primary focus environmentally, and the company has several initiatives in place that will allow it to achieve its fuel efficiency goal.

"We are committed to reducing our fuel consumption and our environmental footprint," said United's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Smisek . "I am proud of the actions we take every day throughout the year that help shape a more sustainable future for our customers, our co-workers and the communities we serve."

United has already improved its fuel efficiency by 32 percent since 1994 through programs such as improved flight planning, single engine taxiing, lighter products onboard, and use of ground power instead of the onboard auxiliary power unit to save fuel and reduce carbon emissions while aircraft are parked.

The airline is also investing in a modern, fuel-efficient fleet to replace less fuel-efficient aircraft. In 2012, United ordered 150 brand-new Boeing 737 narrowbody aircraft powered by fuel-efficient CFM engines. In addition to purchasing new aircraft, United is also improving the performance of its current fleet. The airline was the launch customer for the new Split Scimitar winglet, which is an advanced and improved winglet for the 737 Next-Gen aircraft and helps the aircraft consume up to 25 percent less fuel per seat than the 737-500 aircraft the company is retiring. United already has other winglets installed on more than 300 of its aircraft, including its entire Boeing 737 fleet and many of its 757 and 767 aircraft. Winglets reduce drag on the aircraft, ultimately reducing fuel burn and carbon emissions by up to five percent.

United's fuel savings initiatives are part of the company's larger commitment to environmental sustainability under its Eco-Skies program.

Eco-Skies

United has a genuine commitment to responsible actions that reduce its impact on the environment through its Eco-Skies program. Eco-Skies is designed to make a positive impact on the environment – in the air, on the ground, at United's facilities, with its business partners and across communities the airline serves.

Highlights of United's Eco-Skies program include:

United operated the first U.S. passenger biofuel flight powered with a mixture of renewable algae-derived jet fuel and conventional jet fuel, and signed letters of intent to negotiate the purchase of more than 50 million gallons of sustainable biofuels.

United launched the Eco-Grants initiative which provides $50,000 cash grants to 10 local environmental organizations that the airline's employees volunteer with in their communities, with volunteer projects starting this month and taking place throughout the country.

United spearheaded the Midwest Aviation Sustainable Biofuels Initiative (MASBI), in partnership with Boeing, Honeywell's UOP, the Chicago Department of Aviation and the Clean Energy Trust, to advance commercialization of cost-competitive aviation biofuels.

More than 24% percent of United's ground equipment fleet is electric or alternatively fueled.

During the last six years, United recycled more than 20 million pounds of cans, paper and plastic items from waste generated inflight and at its facilities resulting in a net reduction of 28,700 metric tons of carbon emissions – or an equivalent of removing over 5,000 cars from the road over that same time period.

Eco-Teams, comprised of cross-divisional representatives, are at every hub and major facility.

United's enhanced carbon offset program allows its customers to calculate and offset the carbon footprint associated with their air travel and cargo shipments.

For more information on United's environmental commitment, visit www.united.com/ecoskies.

About United

United Airlines and United Express operate an average of 5,472 flights a day to 381 airports across six continents. In 2012, United and United Express carried more passenger traffic than any other airline in the world and operated nearly two million flights carrying 140 million customers. United is investing in upgrading its onboard products and now offers more flat-bed seats in its premium cabins and more extra-legroom economy-class seating than any airline in North America. In 2013, United became the first U.S.-based international carrier to offer satellite-based Wi-Fi on long-haul overseas routes. The airline also features DIRECTV® on nearly 200 aircraft, offering customers more live television access than any other airline in the world. United operates nearly 700 mainline aircraft and has made large-scale investments in its fleet. In 2013, United will continue to modernize its fleet by taking delivery of more than two dozen new Boeing aircraft. The company expanded its industry-leading global route network in 2012, launching nine new international and 18 new domestic routes. Business Traveler magazine awarded United Best Airline for North American Travel for 2012, and readers of Global Traveler magazine have voted United's MileagePlus program the best frequent flyer program for nine consecutive years. United is a founding member of Star Alliance , which provides service to 194 countries via 27 member airlines. More than 85,000 United employees reside in every U.S. state and in countries around the world. For more information, visit united.com or follow United on Twitter and Facebook. The common stock of United's parent, United Continental Holdings, Inc., is traded on the NYSE under the symbol UAL.

Boeing X-48C Blended Wing Body Research Aircraft Completes Flight Testing

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:34:43 GMT

All 30 flights were conducted at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center. The X-48C typically flew for approximately 30 minutes on most flights, reaching speeds of up to 140 miles per hour and attaining an altitude of about 10,000 feet. X-48C flight testing began Aug. 7, 2012.

"Working closely with NASA, we have been privileged throughout X-48 flight-testing to explore and validate what we believe is a significant breakthrough in the science of flight – and it has been a tremendous success for Boeing," said Bob Liebeck, a Boeing Senior Technical Fellow and the company's BWB program manager.

"We have shown that a BWB aircraft, which offers the tremendous promise of significantly greater fuel efficiency and reduced noise, can be controlled as effectively as a conventional tube-and-wing aircraft during takeoffs, landings and other low-speed segments of the flight regime," Liebeck said.

The X-48C, designed by Boeing Research & Technology, built by Cranfield Aerospace Ltd., and flown in partnership with NASA and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, is a scale model of a heavy-lift, subsonic vehicle that forgoes the conventional tube-and-wing airplane design in favor of a triangular tailless aircraft that effectively merges the vehicle's wing and body. Boeing believes the concept could be developed in the next 15 to 20 years for military applications such as aerial refueling and cargo missions.

The X-48C is a modified version of the X-48B aircraft, which flew 92 times at NASA Dryden between 2007 and 2010. The X-48C is configured with two 89-pound thrust turbojet engines, instead of three 50-pound thrust engines on the B-model. In addition, the wingtip winglets were relocated inboard next to the engines on the C-model and the aft deck was extended about 2 feet at the rear.

"With the completion of X-48C flight testing, we have accomplished our goal of establishing a ground-to-flight database, and proving the low-speed controllability of concept throughout the flight envelope," said Fay Collier, director of NASA's Environmentally Responsible Aviation (ERA) project. "Both very quiet and efficient, the concept has shown promise for meeting all of NASA's environmental goals for future aircraft designs."

Boeing and NASA's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate funded the X-48 technology demonstration research. The effort was aligned with NASA's ERA project, which has the goals to reduce fuel burn, emissions and noise of future aircraft.

Boeing and NASA will continue to develop Blended Wing Body technology, with the aspiration of developing a larger-scale, transonic BWB demonstrator in the future.

Auckland Airport makes FTSE4Good Index for 5th successive year

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 10:14:51 GMT

The FTSE4Good Index Series is designed to objectively measure the performance of companies that meet globally recognised corporate responsibility standards. As a key global benchmarking index, Auckland Airport’s continued inclusion on the FTSE4Good Index provides further confirmation that it is an impressive performer in the sustainability field.

Martin Fryer, Auckland Airport’s Sustainability and Environmental Manager, says the inclusion on the Index for the fifth year is a fantastic achievement that the company is very proud of. “We work very hard at Auckland Airport to maintain our position at the forefront of sustainability practices in New Zealand and we also pride ourselves on our commitment to striving for continual improvement in performance.”

“This is the fifth year we have been included in this Index and over that time we have successfully implemented our first five year sustainability plan. Last year, following wide consultation with our stakeholders, we produced a new plan with long-term targets for the year 2020 around our material issues such as energy, water and waste and we are very excited to be moving into this new phase of our sustainability planning,” continues Mr Fryer.

“Our repeated inclusion in the FTSE4Good Index is independent verification that our approach to sustainability is at best practice and enables us to benchmark our social, environmental and governance performance.”

The inclusion on the FTSE4Good Index follows on from Auckland Airport’s recent success at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Leadership Awards where the company received an EcoAdvocate Award for their commitment to environmental sustainability and their implementation of a comprehensive greenhouse gas emissions reduction plan.

For more information on the FTSE4Good Index please visit www.ftse.com/ftse4good/index.

Air New Zealand wins global sustainable tourism award

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:01:53 GMT

The airline was named the winner in the Global Tourism Business category at the World Travel and Tourism Council’s (WTTC) annual Global Summit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The Global Summit is a highlight on the international tourism calendar and was attended this year by former US President and founder of the William J. Clinton Foundation, Bill Clinton, who was the summit’s keynote speaker.

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon says the award recognises the airline’s commitment to maintaining and protecting the country’s clean, green image.

“We take our responsibility to promote sustainability very seriously and continue to shrink our carbon footprint as we work towards our goal of becoming the world’s most environmentally sustainable airline. In fact we’ve reduced our carbon emissions by 15% (142,000 tonnes) over a five year period,” says Mr Luxon.

“Alongside this we’ve invested in enhancing some of New Zealand’s most iconic natural assets through our partnership with the Department of Conservation to support biodiversity projects on the Great Walks network. We have also invested in Antarctica New Zealand and the New Zealand Antarctic Research Institute to support important scientific research being conducted on the ice.”

The airline also provides financial support to environmental projects around the country through the Air New Zealand Environment Trust and boasts a 3,000 strong internal Green Team which promotes environmental sustainability both at work and in the home.

Applications for the prestigious global awards were received from 46 countries, across all seven continents. Air New Zealand was up against Abercrombie and Kent in the United States and India’s ITC Hotels as finalists in the Global Tourism Business category.

Finalists were assessed by a group of 20 international judges and sustainable tourism experts on a range of criteria before undergoing an on-site evaluation to ensure each were delivering on their environmental commitments.

For more information on the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, visit www.wttc.org.

Boeing, KLM Demonstrate New Technologies to Optimize Flight

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 15:07:11 GMT

The first of the flights, with a KLM Boeing 777-200 aircraft flying round trip from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, is scheduled today. A total of 26 flights are planned for a program called "Optimal Flight" that will continue through 2013.

"The art of the possible comes to life with Optimal Flight: It combines all of Boeing's current flight efficiency projects in a single program to demonstrate the most efficient, environmentally progressive flight possible," said Mike Caflisch, director of airspace programs for Boeing's Digital Aviation Customer Solutions. "This demonstration program will help us determine where next to focus our research and development to deliver improvements to air traffic management and airline services for our customers."

Each flight is being powered in part by sustainable aviation biofuel sourced from used cooking oil. Boeing is at the epicenter of the industry's efforts to develop and commercialize renewable fuel sources that don't compete with food, water or land resources.

The flights also feature new services that provide various advisories directly into the aircraft's flight management computer (FMC) and mobile device in the flight deck.

Developed by Boeing Research & Technology, the flight services highlight applications that increase real-time situational awareness for pilots using advanced digital aviation and air traffic management concepts. They include:

-Automation to integrate the dispatch and modified versions of the flight plan and performance data into the FMC. This saves work for the flight crew, allows for real-time adjustments and reduces errors by eliminating the need to make repeated FMC entries.
-Procedures and software applications that provide the air crew with recommendations to optimize the aircraft's speed variance while providing real-time weather advisories in flight to save fuel and enable more accurate waypoint arrival predictions

If the Optimal Flight Program is successful, Boeing and KLM will establish new operational procedures and recommendations for follow-on development programs with the partners, including NLR, TU Delft (Delft University of Technology), John F. Kennedy International Airport, Gander, Shanwick, NATS Domestic and Schiphol Group.

There is also focused research and development through a joint agreement between Boeing, KLM, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Air Traffic Control in the Netherlands. This agreement is an extension of an agreement first signed in 2002 to develop solutions for the sustained growth of aviation in the Netherlands.

"Boeing is committed to improving the efficiency of flight by working with progressive airlines such as KLM to accelerate smart technololgies and make them available for regular commercial use," said Julie Felgar, managing director of environment and aviation policy for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Through our support and services organization and commitment to relentless research, we can help ensure their airplanes are safe, reliable and on time."

"This is yet another great example of a value-added partnership between Boeing and the Netherlands, a country with an outstanding aerospace and technology industry," said Brian Moran, vice president, Boeing Northern Europe. "KLM is one of the most progressive airlines in the industry and a great partner in our ongoing commitment to finding ways to realize savings in fuel and reductions in emissions and noise."

For more information about Boeing's environment technologies, please visit www.boeing.com

SkyNRG first operator capable of supplying RSB certified jet fuel into wing

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 12:41:55 GMT

This gives aviation, for the first time ever, the possibility to fly on RSB certified fuel. RSB is the leading multi-stakeholder derived global standard, ensuring that biofuels deliver on their promise of sustainability. SkyNRG is currently the only fuel operator in the world that can deliver RSB certified renewable jet fuel into wing at any airport in the world.

“We are pleased that a full supply chain for RSB certified jet fuel is now available for regular use in commercial aviation,” says Barbara Bramble, Chair of the board for RSB and Head of the International Climate and Energy Program at the National Wildlife Federation, the largest environmental membership group in the US. “Congratulations to SkyNRG for achieving certification under the RSB system, which NWF believes provides the best assurance of biofuels’ sustainability. SkyNRG can now assist airlines around the world to fulfill their pledges to reduce carbon emissions while meeting environmental and social safeguards.”

“Biofuels will be crucial in helping the aviation sector to reduce emissions. But they need to be environmentally and socially sustainable, and avoid negative indirect effects. The RSB standard should play a central role in the aviation sectors efforts aiming to develop a sustainable jet fuel supply. Today, SkyNRG is walking the high road and sets the benchmark for the rest of the industry,” says László Máthé of World Wildlife Fund International.

"To stay on the cutting edge, airlines need a supply of biofuel that they know is certified to deliver on the promise of sustainability. SkyNRG is breaking important new ground and sending a critical market signal to producers that RSB certification is the gold standard," says Debbie Hammel, Senior Resource Specialist at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

“SkyNRG is one of the leaders driving the development of sustainable aviation biofuel supply chains,” says Boeing Managing Director of Environment & Aviation Policy Julie Felgar. “Aviation has placed a high importance on increasing the sustainability of its fuel supply, so by receiving certification through the Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels, SkyNRG is achieving an important milestone for itself and for the aviation industry.”

About RSB
The Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels (RSB) is an international multi-stakeholder initiative that brings together farmers, companies, non-governmental organizations, experts, governments, and inter-governmental agencies concerned with ensuring the sustainability of biofuels production and processing. RSB is at the forefront of the renewable energy wave, channelling good intention and solid science into a practical certification program intended to promote best practices and ensure the three core aspects of sustainability – economic, social and environmental – are being met. RSB ensures that biofuels deliver on their promise of sustainability.

About SkyNRG
SkyNRG’s mission is to help create a sustainable future for aviation through actively developing demand and global supply chains for sustainable aviation fuels. SkyNRG is now the world’s market leader for sustainable jet fuel, supplying more than 20 aviation customers on 5 continents in the world. Next to serving airlines directly, SkyNRG actively boosts demand by engaging governments, airports and large corporations to actively join the Fuel Future- leading to the world’s first permanent green aviation routes and the critical scale needed to longer compete with fossil fuel directly. On the supply side, SkyNRG is focussing on developing local supply chains centred around leading airports across the globe (BioPorts). Currently it is already active at 6 BioPort locations in the world.

SkyNRG does not commit to one single feedstock or technology. The sustainability of alternative aviation fuels depends on many factors and has to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. To make the right decisions now and in the future, SkyNRG is advised by an independent Sustainability Board, consisting of the Dutch wing of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-NL), Solidaridad, and the Copernicus Institute of Utrecht University. SkyNRG strives for harmonisation on certification of sustainable jet fuel and therefore actively supports the Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels.

Learn more about SkyNRG at www.skynrg.com

Airbus Corporate Foundation and Luftfahrt ohne Grenzen send humanitarian aid to Syrian refugees in Turkey

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 08:52:47 GMT

The Airbus Corporate Foundation and its partners Luftfahrt ohne Grenzen / Wings of Help (LOG), Turkish Airlines and Fraport AG have transported 35 tonnes of relief supplies from Frankfurt Airport to Adana, Turkey, today, on a Turkish Airlines A310-F freighter aircraft.

These supplies are destined to the Turkish Red Crescent and will be distributed to people in desperate need in Syrian refugee camps near Adana, among which are many children. The donations were collected by German NGO Luftfahrt ohne Grenzen (Wings of Help) and include food, blankets, baby food and nappies as well as medicine.

Luftfahrt ohne Grenzen spokesman, Mr. Frank Franke said: “It is our major goal to help these people in desperate need. Most of the support for more than 160,000 Syrian Refugees in Turkey is coming out of Turkey. It is time that more help is done from all over the world.””

Dr. Temel Kotil, CEO of Turkish Airlines said: “It was not possible for a big country like Turkey to stay oblivious to the human drama that is going on in Syria. For almost two years now Turkey has been doing its best for the refugees arriving on its soil. And at Turkish Airlines we are doing all we can to transport the relief supplies coming from inside and outside Turkey to their final destination and we will continue to do so. We hope that this tragedy ends as soon as possible.”

Andrea Debbané, Executive Director of the Airbus Foundation, said: “The Airbus Foundation regularly works with LOG and Aviation Sans Frontières, their French counterpart, to coordinate humanitarian missions such as this one. In regards of the desperate situation of these people having fled their country, we feel compelled to help and are proud to contribute, through the Airbus Foundation, in the effort the NGOs do every day. We would also like to thank all our partners involved in this project.”

In recent years, Airbus has built up a global network of airlines and relief organisations to support international humanitarian causes. Delivery flights of new to be delivered aircraft have been used on numerous occasions to transport goods to destinations in need all over the world.

The Airbus Corporate Foundation was created in December 2008 to facilitate charitable activities worldwide within an international network of employees and partners. The organisation focuses its support on three themes: humanitarian and community support, youth development and the environment.

Since its launch in December 2008, the Airbus Corporate Foundation has facilitated some 32 relief or goodwill flights to numerous destinations all over the globe.

For more information on the Airbus Corporate Foundation and its activities, please visit: www.airbuscorporatefoundation.com.

Joint airport/airline initiative reduces fuel consumption, costs and carbon footprints whilst improving health and safety

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 09:14:49 GMT

A GPU enables an aircraft, whilst on the gate, to plug in and power itself using electricity, instead of using its auxiliary power unit that would burn jet fuel.

GPUs have been in place for some time at Auckland, but utilisation rates have been low due to ground handling staff having to drag heavy cables to the aircraft.

The solution is a $0.25M device, called a “crocodile”, which improves the manoeuvrability of the long cables and minimizes the risk of injury.

The six to eight week trial will monitor all aspects of the installation: health and safety, energy use and fuel savings and, if successful, the technology will be rolled out across all international gates. Increased utilisation will lead to significant reductions in fuel burn and the carbon footprint of all airlines coming to Auckland Airport.

“It is Air New Zealand’s aim to become the world’s most environmentally sustainable airline and we are pleased to be taking the lead, along with Auckland Airport, on this trial which will allow our aircraft to taxi on to gate with their auxiliary power units switched off reducing both CO2 emissions and noise,” says Air New Zealand Chief Flight Operations and Safety Officer David Morgan.

The initiative also reflects Auckland Airport’s approach to sustainable business practice. Martin Fryer, Auckland Airports Sustainability and Environmental Manager said “Auckland Airport recently reviewed its sustainability plan and realised that many targets can only be achieved through cooperation with like-minded businesses. This project is a superb example of how we can achieve our long-term goals of reducing energy, water and waste per passenger by 20% by 2020. It can be done through successful partnerships with key customers, key suppliers and the wider airport community."

Airbus supports new noise standard

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 09:25:04 GMT

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP) has adopted a new noise stringency level for commercial airplanes. The milestone achieved at the CAEP meeting last week lowers the current standard by seven decibels. Having now been agreed by the ICAO CAEP, the new stringent noise standard will be presented for final review and approval by the ICAO Council later in 2013. This new standard will come into force on the 31^st December 2017.

“Over the past 40 years, Airbus has put a lot of effort into reducing noise at source and to bringing the quietest aircraft to the market. This new standard is another major step in how the global commercial aviation industry is pro-actively addressing environmental protection,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO.

At Airbus, innovation and technology are key to provide aircraft that generate fewer emissions and less noise while carrying a maximum payload over the mission range. All Airbus development aircraft (NEO and A350 XWB) are designed to be compliant with the new noise standard.

In addition, Airbus continues developing new solutions to further reduce the operational noise. Several functionalities are available such as the Automatic Noise Abatement Departure Procedure (NADP) that optimises the thrust and flight path to reduce noise over populated areas.

In the UK, which has the strictest noise regulations in the world, the A380 was given an award for its quiet operations by the UK Noise Abatement Society in 2012.

The A380 carries 42 percent more passengers than its nearest competitor but produces half the noise energy when taking off, and three to four times less noise energy when landing. The A350 XWB, the aircraft with the leading environmental performance in the long-range market is up to 16 decibels below the current standard requirement.

Airbus is a leading aircraft manufacturer with the most modern and comprehensive family of airliners on the market, ranging in capacity from 100 to more than 500 seats. Airbus is known to offer innovative technologies as soon as they become available and has sold over 12.400 aircraft to almost 350 customers worldwide. Airbus has achieved more than 7,600 deliveries since the first Airbus aircraft entered service. Headquartered in Toulouse, France, Airbus is an EADS company.

IATA Applauds ICAO-CAEP Agreement on a More Stringent Noise Standard for Aircraft and Progress on Aircraft CO2 Standard

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 09:06:26 GMT

The ICAO Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP) comprising ICAO member states, industry, and environmental non-governmental organizations, reviewed technological feasibility, environmental benefits and economic factors and reached a consensus to move forward on a new standard that will result in a reduction of 7 Effective Perceived Noise Decibels (EPNdB) compared to the current Chapter 4 Standard.

“Air transport is already 75% quieter than it was four decades ago and the industry will continuously pursue cost-effective noise management options to reduce the number of people subject to aircraft noise, in line with our broader global commitments on sustainability and environmental performance,” said Tony Tyler IATA’s Director General and CEO.

The new standard will be applicable to new aircraft types for which a request for certification is submitted after 31 December 2017 and for lower-weight new aircraft as of 2020. The current Chapter 4 Standard came into effect in 2006.

“This is another good example of ICAO successfully tackling a difficult environmental issue. This collaborative work ensures that the development and implementation of global standards reflect the specific needs of society at large and capabilities of states while bringing certainty to long-term airline fleet investment,” said Tyler.

Another illustration of ICAO’s ability to lead global progress on managing aviation’s environmental impact is the agreement for certification procedures for the new aircraft CO2 standard. Coupled with the common metric system adopted last year, this paves the way for CAEP to assess stringency levels, the last component of the future CO2 standard.

The recommendations agreed to by CAEP will be reported to the ICAO Council later in 2013 for further actions.

For more information, please contact:
Corporate Communications
Tel: +41 22 770 2967
Email: corpcomms@iata.org

Air New Zealand recognised in global sustainable tourism awards

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 14:46:02 GMT

The airline is one of three finalists in the Global Tourism Business category which recognises corporate success in conjunction with sustainable tourism principles and practices.

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon says the airline has a pivotal role to play in maintaining New Zealand’s clean, green image overseas.

“It is our aim to become the world’s most environmentally sustainable airline and we have worked hard in recent years to implement a wide range of initiatives across the business to achieve this. It’s pleasing to see this commitment recognised at these globally renowned awards.

“We are seeing results too. Between 2006 and 2011, Air New Zealand achieved a 15% fuel efficiency improvement which is the equivalent of more than 140,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually and we are constantly looking at ways to further enhance this efficiency,” says Luxon.

Other initiatives include a commercial partnership with the Department of Conservation to support biodiversity projects on the Great Walks network, the Air New Zealand Environment Trust which provides financial support to green projects around the country as well as a 3,000 strong internal Green Team which promotes environmental sustainability both at work and at home.

Award applications were received from 46 countries, across all seven continents. Entries were selected by an international panel of judges chaired by Costas Christ, an internationally recognised expert on sustainable tourism.

Entries were assessed against a range of criteria including delivering social and economic benefits to local people and undertaking environmentally friendly operations. All finalists now undergo an on-site evaluation by an international sustainable tourism expert.

David Scowsill, President and CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) said: “Tourism for Tomorrow is built on the triple bottom line: People, Planet, Profit. The awards finalists reflect financially successful businesses, which balance growing demand with shrinking natural resources, and reflect the contributions of employees and destination communities.”

The Tourism for Tomorrow Award winners will be announced on 9 April, 2013 at WTTC’s annual Global Summit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Airbus selects students with most innovative ideas to shape the future of flight

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 13:11:53 GMT

Airbus has selected 100 student teams from across five continents to go to the next round of the 2013 Fly Your Ideas challenge. Of these, 49 per cent are from Asie Pacific, 37 per cent from Europe, 8 per cent from the the Americas, 3 per cent from Africa and 3 per cent from Middle East .

To find out more and to follow the teams go onto www.airbus-fyi.com.

At this stage of the competition, Airbus has identified the most innovative ideas from over 600 teams who entered the third edition of the UNESCO-backed competition. The number of participants has doubled compared to the previous contest. The Fly Your Ideas contest challenges students worldwide to develop ideas for a more sustainable aviation industry.

The teams now have until 12th April 2013 to explore, test and develop their concepts. While the idea remains in the hands of the students, an Airbus mentor and expert have been assigned to each team to support, inspire and challenge the competitors.

“Fly Your Ideas offers a unique opportunity for the students involved to gain valuable insight into this cutting-edge industry which today supports over 56 million jobs and 35% of global trade,” explained Charles Champion, Airbus Executive Vice President Engineering and Patron of Fly Your Ideas. “I am delighted to see the enthusiasm of the teams and our Airbus experts who are committed to sharing their know-how with these students from around the world who are the innovators of the future.”

The students are battling it out to be one of the five final teams to present their idea to a panel of Airbus and industry experts at Airbus in Hamburg, Germany on 12th June 2013. The Awards Ceremony will take place in Paris on 13th June 2013 at the UNESCO headquarters. At stake, are the first prize of €30,000 and the chance for the winning team to host an 'innovation week' on campus run by Airbus experts. The runner up team wins €15,000.

Boeing Digs into Duwamish as Part of Wildlife Habitat Restoration

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 13:13:29 GMT

While the city of Seattle, King County, the Port of Seattle, Boeing and many other businesses along the waterway will be involved in the overall cleanup of the Lower Duwamish, the Plant 2 work starts one of the five "early-action" projects under the oversight of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

"Restoring the Duwamish Waterway is extremely important to the people, environment and economy of the Puget Sound," said Kim Smith, Boeing vice president of Environment, Health and Safety. "Boeing remains committed to reducing the environmental footprint of our products and operations, including restoring sites affected by past business practices."

"The Duwamish is an important part of Seattle's history and its cleanup presents an opportunity to shape our future," added Dennis McLerran, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 10 Administrator. "Boeing is an important part of our community's history and future. With this early work, the company is demonstrating what a good neighbor can do when it's committed to a community and its people."

During the next three years, more than 200,000 cubic yards (152,000 cubic meters) of sediment is expected to be removed and clean sand added as Boeing's part of the project.

More than a half-mile of industrial waterfront, which was developed during World War II to ramp up production of military airplanes, will be restored to natural shoreline. This will create about 5 acres (2 hectares) of shoreline wildlife habitat, particularly for juvenile salmon to adapt to living in salt water before continuing their migration to the Pacific Ocean.

The Plant 2 project is expected to take nearly three years to complete. Work in the water will be conducted through mid-February, and start again in early August, when juvenile salmon are not migrating. To optimize the limited work schedule, dredging will occur around the clock. Signs, buoys and other navigational aids will be used to keep boats away from work zones.

According to the EPA, cleanup of the five early-action sites along the 5-mile (8-kilometer) industrial waterway will reduce health risks by nearly 50 percent. In early 2013, the EPA is expected to publish the proposed plan for cleaning up the entire Lower Duwamish Waterway.

AirAsia becomes first operator of Airbus' Sharklet equipped A320

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 12:50:58 GMT

Airbus has delivered the first A320 equipped with Sharklets today to AirAsia, which becomes the first operator of the new fuel-saving large wing tip devices. Sharklets are an option on new-build A320 Family aircraft, and are standard on all members of the A320neo Family.

Sharklets are made from light-weight composites and are 2.4 metres tall. These newly designed wing-tip devices reduce fuel burn and emissions by improving the aerodynamics of the aircraft significantly. Cutting airlines’ fuel bills by around four percent, Sharklets will offer the flexibility to A320 Family operators of either adding around 100 nautical miles more range or allowing increased payload capability of up to 450 kilogrammes.

“We are extremely proud to be the first airline in the world to take delivery of an A320 fitted with Airbus’ new, fuel saving Sharklets,” said Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Group Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia . “AirAsia has a long-standing, special relationship with Airbus and as we grow our network with our all A320 fleet, these new wing tip devices will contribute to fulfilling our goal of being the most efficient, innovative low cost airline in the world.”

“As our biggest A320 Family airline customer, it’s very fitting that AirAsia is the first carrier to benefit from the four percent fuel saving our new Sharklets deliver,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “AirAsia’s vision is to make is possible for everyone to fly and now with their Sharklet-equipped A320s they can assure their passengers that they are also travelling on board the world’s most environmentally friendly single-aisle aircraft.”

Due to the very strong customer demand for Sharklets, all Airbus’ single-aisle final assembly lines (FALs) will be engaged in building A320 Family aircraft with Sharklets. These FALs are located in Toulouse (France), Hamburg (Germany) and Tianjin (China) and will soon be followed by an additional A320 FAL in Mobile (Alabama, USA).

AirAsia, the largest low cost airline in Asia is also Airbus’ largest A320 Family airline customer. The carrier recently placed a new order with Airbus on the 13^th December 2012 for 100 more A320 Family aircraft including 36 A320ceo aircraft with Sharklets. Altogether, AirAsia has ordered 475 single aisle aircraft from Airbus, comprising 264 A320neo and 211 A320ceo. Over 100 aircraft have already been delivered to the airline and are flying out of its bases in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Manila and Tokyo.

The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling and most modern single aisle aircraft Family. To date, close to 8,900 aircraft have been ordered and over 5,300 delivered to more than 380 customers and operators worldwide.