Some original initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of air transport.

Fuel made from algae

Oilseed feedstocks form the basis of biofuels, which are the only feedstocks that can absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. Over the past two years, Boeing has been working with a number of carriers to develop a biofuel with characteristics similar to paraffin. Algae-based biofuel production is preferred to that based on soya, the extensive cultivation of which has already contributed to the deforestation of certain areas, particularly in Brazil.

Airports

According to the Vienna-based Central Europan Institute of Technology (CEIT), European airports are among the most efficient when it comes to reducing CO2 emissions. The environmental award goes to Stockholm-Arlanda, which leads the way out of 440 hubs: 35 % of taxis at the airport are hybrid vehicles or run on biofuels, reducing carbon monoxide emissions by 3.77 tonnes; in 2011, 100 % of taxis will be clean vehicles. Arlanda airport is also pursuing a policy of producing green electricity (renewable energy) and running its refrigeration units by recycling water from a nearby lake. As a result, CO2 consumption has fallen by 20 % since 2005. Solar cells store energy in Munich and Stuttgart. Paris has introduced electric commercial vehicles and more and more airports are promoting public transport. In France, after Strasbourg in December 2008, Lyon will be linked to its airport by tramway this summer.

Raising passenger awareness

French low-cost airline transavia.com has launched an original concept to raise passenger awareness of aircraft fuel consumption. For each flight, the captain announces the fuel consumption based on actual flight data, taking into account parameters such as the occupancy rate and weather conditions. Another innovation from the same carrier: free carpooling to the airport. It's not only economical, it's also environmentally friendly!

Soft landing

For the past two years, SAS Scandinavian Airlines has been carrying out green landings, i.e. a gradual, level-by-level approach to the airport. This gradual descent saves between 50 and 150 kg of paraffin and between 160 and 470 kg of CO2. What's more, this procedure results in a substantial reduction in noise for local residents. Tried and tested in Stockholm and Oslo, the system will be extended to 100 European airports by 2013 thanks to a partnership between airports, air traffic control authorities and IATA. Airlines will thus be able to save 150,000 tonnes of fuel and 500,000 tonnes of CO2.