Air Transport World awards United highest recognition for its leadership in environmental action
CHICAGO, Aug. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — United Airlines today was named the Eco-Aviation “Airline of the Year” Gold Winner by Air Transport World (ATW) magazine. It’s the top award granted by ATW in its annual Eco-Aviation Awards. The “Eco-Airline of the Year” award recognizes an airline in global commercial aviation. Especially for its eco-aviation leadership as demonstrated by consistent and also impactful environmental action within the company and in the industry. That’s why United was awarded for making its environment policies a priority. Thereby actively engaging in climate change and biofuels working groups and initiatives. All because of its dedication to a broad set of activities. Those that also improve both the airline’s efficiency and the environment in which it operates.
Eco-Skies Program
United’s Eco-Skies program maintains the company’s commitment to the environment and includes actions taken every day to create a sustainable future. Furthermore, United’s recent environmental achievements include:
Fleet
I mean United has more than 290 fuel-efficient aircraft on order. Moreover, it was the U.S. launch customer for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. All which represents a significant advancement in aircraft innovation. Furthermore, it achieves a 20 percent improvement in fuel efficiency versus the aircraft it is replacing. United recently increased its Dreamliner order to 65. Therefore, the airline will be the launch customer for the Boeing 787-10. It’s a stretched version of the 787 that will offer the lowest fuel burn per seat of any aircraft of its size. The airline also has 35 Airbus A350-1000s on order. All of which will consume approximately 20 percent less fuel per seat than the wide body aircraft it will replace.
In addition, United has installed fuel-saving winglets on more than 330 mainline aircraft. It was also the launch partner for the new Split Scimitar Winglet. Alone, this winglet will reduce CO2 emissions by 600 tons per aircraft per year. In addition, it will improve fuel efficiency by approximately 2 percent.
Fuel Efficiency
Due to its diligence, United is on track to meet its 2013 goal to reduce fuel usage by 85 million gallons. As well as reduce associated carbon emissions by 828,750 metric tons.
Last year, the company saved 83 million gallons of fuel. That’s solely due to fleet replacement and fuel-efficiency initiatives. Combined, they are reducing carbon emissions by 811,000 metric tons.
Advancing Alternative Aviation Fuels
In June 2013, United announced an historic partnership with AltAir Fuels with an agreement to purchase 15 million gallons of commercial-scale and cost-competitive advanced aviation biofuels for flights out of the airline’s Los Angeles hub as early as 2014.
More noteworthy, United spearheaded the Midwest Aviation Sustainable Biofuel Initiative (MASBI). It’s a public/private collaboration of more than 40 nationally recognized organizations focused on accelerating the commercialization of advanced biofuels for aviation (2012).
Several milestones were achieved by United with biofuels:
First U.S. commercial flight powered by advanced biofuel (2011).
First North American commercial airline to operate a demonstration flight using synthetic fuel made from natural gas (2010).
First North American carrier to perform a two-engine aircraft flight demonstration using sustainable biofuels (2009).
Facility and Product Stewardship
Since 2008, United has recycled more than 23.5 million pounds of aluminum cans, paper and plastic items from waste generated inflight and at its facilities.
As well, United incorporated energy efficiency features in the design and construction of the new Terminal B at its Houston hub.
The airline designed its United Clubs to incorporate many sustainable design elements including LED lighting, low-flow toilets and lavatories, porcelain tiling and sustainable fabrics and fixtures.
Additionally, United’s new Data Center currently under construction is designed to achieve approximately 50 percent energy savings.
Most noteworthy, United’s headquarters offices in Chicago achieved Silver LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification.
As well, United’s new Cargo facility at its Chicago hub has a vegetative green roof and is currently the sixth largest green roof in North America.
Supplier and Customer Engagement
To add onto that, United launched the Sustainable Supply Chain (SSC) initiative. That’s to better understand the environmental performance of its suppliers. Moreover, deepen relationships with its key supply chain partners (2013).
- United’s enhanced carbon offset program allows its customers to calculate and offset the carbon footprint associated with their air travel and cargo shipments. That’s so they can direct their support to three certified projects near communities that United serves.
Community Investments
The United Eco-Skies Community Grants program awards $50,000 to 10 non-profits located in its hub communities, such as the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the Prince William Environmental Excellence Foundation, to promote engagement and volunteerism.
United supports and partners with hub-based environmental organizations as well as national and international organizations such as Conservation International and Sustainable Travel International.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013 at 7:46PM
