Emirates plans longest ‘green flight’
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Emirates will try a new fuel-saving programme as it conducts the longest green journey on its Dubai-San Francisco route, Gulf News has reported. The carrier said it has worked closely with government agencies in Dubai, Russia, Iceland, Canada, the US and other countries to plot what it called the “Environment Flight”.
The flight has been described as “the most environmentally-sophisticated route and trip possible to help save an estimated 2,000 gallons (7,571 litres) of fuel and 30,000 pounds (13,610kg) of carbon emissions on the 16-hour non-stop service,” according to an Emirates statement. It added that the programme will represent the world’s first cross-polar green flight.
The Boeing 777-200LR will be specially washed before the flight to minimise drag, and it will use electrical power on the ground in Dubai rather than its auxiliary power unit. A pre-planned priority departure route out of Dubai will provide an unimpeded climb through to cruise altitude, allowing the plane to reach optimum cruise altitude as quickly and efficiently as possible, the report said.
Recent negotiations with the Russian government will allow the plane to fly over Russian and Canadian airspace for the most efficient path. The aircraft will use minimal thrust on landing and a single-engine taxi to its gate.
Additionally, all onboard glass, newspapers, aluminium and paper will be collected for recycling.
Sheikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and CEO of Emirates Group, said the flight would be a dual milestone and would also demonstrate Emirates’ competency in environmental efficiency.
“We have made a multi-billion-dollar investment in new state-of-the-art eco-efficient aircraft, and the flight will help us to further improve our environmental performance,” Sheikh Ahmad said.
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