I know its an oxymoron or less politely, an arse about face situation. The airline companies that not only pump out crazy quantities of greenhouse gases at altitudes that ultimately make the impact of the pollution considerably worse that those at sea level might be “good for the environment”. But at some point you are probably going to have get on a flight and along with considering the price and if they are going to get you there at all, here’s looking at you Ryanair, you should also consider their environmental credentials.
Aviation is a $700 billion industry that sees a flight take off nearly every second and moves more than 8 million people around the world every day so in the fight for customers the airlines have had to consider their environmental impact.
The first thing to say is do you need to fly?? Trains, cars, bikes, boats, your feet all offer less environmentally damaging options but clearly they do have restrictions. Mainly time and in most cases the in-ability to cross water deeper than about waist height without a bridge. Still its worth having a good look to see what you can do. Remember that you see nothing by air and if you have the time it is always worth spending the time travelling on the ground if possible.
But lets say you are travelling to a far away island or you have 3 days to get to the other end of Europe and back then you are probably going to catch a flight. We talk about offsetting options in other blogs but for simply looking for ways to reduce the impact of the flight consider:
Fly in Economy Class.
We know. Business is amazing. Whether you were flying for work or got upgraded on that trip back from three months in South America it’s the best. Flat bed, good food and a free class or two of fizz. Sadly depending on the aircraft it increases your footprint between three and nine times depending on who you fly with.
Fly with a no-frills, low cost airline
They are not always fun, are often late and you will probably find the seat is still warm from the last sucker who was kicked off the flights moments before you got on but they are the cleanest way to fly. Due to limited luggage restrictions, no business/first class options and with the very very legal minimum of leg room to maximise profits it all means that the footprint per passenger is lower than the smarter options. Still if it means flying Ryanair its probably quicker to walk
Upgrading to a more environmentally friendly fleet?
Who has the newest and most sparkly planes? Just like cars, newer planes are 30-70% more efficient than the older versions so therefore tred lighter. Also check to see if the plane has winglets (the little sticky up bits at the end) which reduce drag and fuel consumption.
Take a non-stop flight rather than one with a layover
Less taking off and less landing mean lower fuel consumption. These flights are also quicker and therefore burn less kerosene for the same distance.
Pack light and if possible in Cabin Baggage only
Do you need the extra pair of pants or that fourth hat? Pack light and it means less weight for the aircraft to lug around. If you are packing for a major trip or expedition obviously you want to make sure you have everything you need. Don’t leave the Sat Phone behind to lower you footprint, but if you are heading hiking for a week and don’t need the second pair of boots. Leave em behind!
Choose vegan or vegetarian in flight meal options
For all the same reasons meat over production and consumption is bad for the planet on the ground it’s the same in the air! If you are torn between the tasteless chicken in a mystery sauce and the strange lentils in a purple jeux. Go veggie.
Airlines that are trying to be better
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines shows great transparency with regards to their CO2 emissons and other steps they are taking to improve their impact on the environment. They are always looking for innovative ways to reduce the environmental impact of their services, and steps that they have taken so far have included going strawless, composting grounds from coffee served in flight, and using avionics to use the 'Greener Skies' approaches in order to cut fuel consumption.
The airline has also formed a partnership with the Port of Seattle and Boeing with the aim to power all flights by all airlines at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport with sustainable biofuel.
Jetblue
Jetblue is committed to improving the airline's environmental impact, and is proud to be transparent with regards to the steps taken in doing so.
The airline committed to moving away from using diesel and petrol for ground based electric equipment as bag tugs and belt loaders. In 2013, Jetblue introduced an onboard recycling program, alongside a partnership with Dunkin' Donuts, Jamba Juice and Royal Waste Services to compost food waste at JFK Airport's Terminal 5.
Jetblue is also committed to the company's environmental impact beyond the airport. The Jetblue T5 Farm at New York's JFK Airport is the world's first blue potato farm based at an airport, and the T5 Rooftop is the only post-security outdoor space at a New York airport. The airline has also used smart building techniques at their Terminal 5 home at JFK Airport, and their Long Island City Support Centre.
Easyjet
Easyjet is committed to reduction of carbon emissions, and invests in projects to ensure that the environmental impact of the airlne is as minimal as possible. Example projects include new fleet investment, seat-weight reduction due to investment in new lightweight Recaro seats, paperless cockpits, adding 'sharklet' wing tips, and the addition of 6 more seats to existing A320 aircraft.
Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific endeavors to 'be the world's best airline' and focuses particularly on the following environmental issues: climate change, waste, air quality, noise, water, conservation, and biodiversity.
The Cathay Pacific 'Fly Greener' programme gives Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon passengers the opportunity to reduce the carbon dioxide generated from air travel in a simple, credible way. Customers are able to purchase carbon offsets for their journeys, and the airline offers a online carbon offset calculator which allows passengers to work out what their journeys will use, and what they can buy to help to offset this.
Flybe
In February 2018, Heathrow Airport named Flybe the most environmentally friendly airline using Heathrow. The use of the Bombardier Q400 aircraft is the quietest aircraft in the world, with a noise footprint almost seven times smaller than single-aisle and wide-body aircraft. They are also as fuel efficient as an eco-friendly car, producing emissions that are 30-40% lower than other aircraft. Plus they land on a beach in Scotland!
Loganair
Loganair is forthcoming as the leading pioneer of electric aircraft. The Scottish regional airline wants to start using electric-powered planes by 2021 for their flights between Westray and Papa Westray in a bid to reach their goal to become carbon neutral.
Loganair are already making themselves more environmentally friendly, with their use of renewable energy produced in Orkney.
Etihad
Etihad Airways are partnering with the Abu Dhabi Waste Management Center on a project to explore how municipal waste can be converted into jet fuel. One of the aims of the project is to use the final jet furl on Etihad Airways' flights. This shows the commitment that the airline has towards cutting-edge environmental advances, and reducing the airline's dependency on fossil fuels.
