Green air travel measures are being taken by the airline industry to help protect the environment. Here are some changes that are being made within the industry.
Winglets
Winglets are the vertical extensions at the end of the airplane wing. Winglets help reduce the drag flow of the plane and turn the drag into thrust. Winglets have been around for some time, but more and more airlines are mandating their use. Approximately 95% of the airline fleet operating worldwide is now fitted with winglets. Boeing claims "that winglets on 737s and 757s have saved more than 1.2 billion gallons of fuel since they were first introduced, and 11.5 million tons of CO2 (a reduction of 6.5%)."
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency has been steadily improving for the past 40 years. Operations have become more than 20% more fuel efficient in the past 10 years, and in the past 15 years oxides of nitrogen have been reduced by 50% from aircraft engines. Since 1970, CO2 emissions have reduced by 50% and emissions of hydrocarbons have reduced by 90%. Approximately 15% of turnover to research is dedicated by aircraft engineers. It is estimated that modern airplanes are using a little over one gallon of fuel per 100 passenger miles. Less fuel equals less emissions.
Strict Emission Certification Standards
Emission certification standards are being strictly held up by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and now provide more than a 40% reduction in emissions from 1981. The certification is used to keep hydrocarbons, CO2 and smoke at a strict standard for safety, and a less harmful standard to the environment. Research is hoping for an even stricter standard that would reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 80% by the year 2020.
Eco-Marketing Programs
Eco-friendly programs are becoming more prevalent with individual airlines, and are geared towards their frequent flyers. The Eco-Marketing programs are interactive programs that members can use to make environmentally sustainable choices, and earn green rewards in the process.
One such program is called My Planet, owned by LoyaltyOne Inc. My Planet allows its members to redeem their air miles for environmentally friendly rewards. Some of the rewards offered by My Planet are eco-friendly cleaning products, donations to eco-friendly research and eco friendly campaigns, green energy services and transit passes.
Jet Blue has introduced a new program called "Jetting to Green", and
encourages passengers to sign up and make a pledge to do "One Thing
That's Green." Another eco-friendly program offered by Jet Blue
Airlines is called CarbonFund.Org, where crew member travel on company
business is offset by making a contribution to Carbonfund.org.
Recycling
In flight recycling is quickly becoming a popular initiative that most major airlines are implementing on all flights. Crew members and passengers are encouraged to sort their plastic, glass and cans for recycling. Once the airplane has landed, the recycled materials are then sent to their appropriate recycling area.
Protecting the environment is a major concern for the airlines, and
more and more measures are being taken to help offset the industry's
carbon footprint.