A319 demos eco-efficiency on North American flight
Photo by B. Losito © Air Canada
The company believes flying more efficiently – with incorporation of all best practices available – can reduce a flight’s environmental footprint to a minimum. This milestone activity follows the initial 'Perfect Flight' performed last year in France and yesterday’s trip – utilising an Airbus A319 jetliner from Air Canada – travelled from Toronto to Mexico City. It was powered by a 50% bio-fuel blend made from used cooking oil, supplied by the SkyNRG organisation.
Airbus is pioneering the introduction of sustainable alternative fuels, which will make a major impact on aviation CO2 emissions. Its efforts include supporting airlines to implement related projects, providing decision-makers with relevant biofuel data, developing research programmes in collaboration with universities, and supporting the regulatory approval process for new biofuels.
Streamlined air traffic management (ATM) procedures ensured the A319 flew the most direct route from Toronto to Mexico City, while an efficient vertical flight profile and use of Continuous Descent Approach (CDA) into the destination area reduced fuel consumption and limited noise emissions.
The activity’s eco-efficient operational procedures also included weight-saving measures deployed throughout the jetliner cabin, with the use of lighter materials for interior elements; as well as optimised ground operations that include single-engine taxiing and external cleaning for improved aerodynamics.
Contributing as well to the environmental performance was the A319 itself and Airbus have said that today’s successful 'Perfect Flight' is to be followed by additional demonstrations planned for later in 2012.
