Thu, Sep 28, 2006
Proposes Weight, Engine Use Reductions
Sir Richard Branson has a new cause.
Last week, he pledged to donate all profits from his rail and
airline companies to combat global warming. He says he'll use
profits to develop new, cleaner energy sources. On Wednesday...
Branson proposed a plan he says would cut aircraft emissions by up
to 25-percent.
Reuters reports the plan -- which Branson is asking all airlines
to consider -- suggests simple measures, like getting rid of trash
between legs, to reduce aircraft weight. He's also asking
manufacturers to look for ways to further reduce weight in their
manufacturing processes.
Specific details in the proposal include changing the way
aircraft are moved on the ground at major airports. For example,
Branson suggests using tugs to position aircraft closer to the
runway before starting their engines. By utilizing these "starter
grids," Branson says carbon emissions for Virgin Atlantic would be
reduced by more than 50-percent at London's Heathrow Airport, and a
whopping 90-percent at JFK.
"Airlines, airports, air traffic controllers and governments
should seize these initiatives and ensure they're all implemented
within two years," Branson said.
Also part of the proposal -- but not specified in the report --
are changes in the way air traffic control handles arrivals and
departures at busy airports. Branson claims he also has a more
efficient model involving the way airliners descend.
As Aero-News reported in
July, the European Commission has proposed including
airlines in its emissions trading policy -- where industries trade
rights to emit carbon dioxide, the main gas blamed for global
warming.
As of yet, there is no word on how Branson's new initiatives
might impact schedules, or safety... but as a reliable supply of
oil remains a major concern for airlines, Branson may find a
receptive audience for his environmental suggestions on that
premise alone.
Stay tuned.
More News
Takeoff Roll The process whereby an aircraft is aligned with the runway centerline and the aircraft is moving with the intent to take off. For helicopters, this pertains to the act>[...]
“We’re proud of the hard work that went into receiving this validation, and it will be a welcome relief to our customers in the European Union. We couldn’t be mor>[...]
Also: 1800th E-Jet, Uncle Sam Sues For Landing Gear, Embraer Ag Plane, Textron Parts A friend of the family reported that Lt. Col. (Ret.) Richard Glenn Rutan flew west on Friday, M>[...]
Also: Virgin Galactic, B-29 Doc to Allentown, Erickson Fire-Fighters Bought, FAA Reauthorization After dealing with a big letdown after the unexpected decision by Skyreach to disco>[...]
"Aircraft Spruce is pleased to announce the acquisition of the parts distribution operations of Wag-Aero. Wag-Aero was founded in the 1960’s by Dick and Bobbie Wagner in the >[...]