“We’re Doing Better Things For the Environment” Than United
“We’re Doing Better Things For the Environment” Than United.
American Airlines CEO Doug Parker threw down the gauntlet at United Airlines over which airline is more environmentally conscious. Parker told employees last week that American’s fleet is more fuel efficient than United’s, and that’s more significant than United’s biofuel experiments.
The Airline Industry is Getting Much More Fuel Efficient
Modern jets are far more efficient than their predecessors, driven in part by $100 a barrel oil we saw at the start of the decade. Aircraft engineering advances do a lot of environmental work, and there have been over a dozen commercial flights powered with biofuel. International airline trade group IATA has committed to carbon-neutral airline growth starting next year, and a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050.
The biggest expenses airlines face are aircraft, labor, and fuel. High fuel prices drive airline concern over the environment. Reducing carbon foot print can save money provided the technology is cost-effective. Modern jets and the newest engines are far more efficient than ever. Still, flying accounts for an estimated 2%of the world’s carbon emissions (though some critics suggest it’s as high as 5%).
