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Atlantis Dubai achieves Earthcheck Gold and Silver Certifications
Atlantis, The Palm and Aquaventure World attain prestigious EarthCheck Gold Certification, while Atlantis The Royal earns EarthCheck Silver Certification just one year after opening. Atlantis Dubai is proud to announce that Atlantis, The Palm and Aquaventure World have each achieved EarthCheck Gold Certification, a testament to five years of continuous excellence in sustainability practices. This marks the first time both properties have earned Gold status following a rigorous audit across all areas of operation. In addition, Atlantis The Royal has attained EarthCheck Silver Certification following its inaugural audit, just one year after opening its doors. These achievements position Atlantis Dubai amongst a select, global group of sustainable tourism operators that are certified to EarthCheck’s Company Standard. Paul Baker, President of Atlantis, said: “Achieving EarthCheck Gold for Atlantis, The Palm and Aquaventure World, and EarthCheck Silver for Atlantis The Royal, is a proud moment for Atlantis Dubai. We remain diligent across the destination to increase our sustainability efforts every year, as we continue our journey to become a leader in responsible tourism. These accomplishments reflect the hard work of our teams and underscore our ongoing commitment to do business in ways that are good for both people and the planet.” EarthCheck is recognised as the world's leading scientific benchmarking, certification, and business advisory group focused on travel and tourism. It helps businesses, communities, and governments to evaluate their environmental footprint, improve sustainability and ultimately enhance business performance. Atlantis, The Palm and Aquaventure World have spent the past five years implementing and refining sustainability initiatives that have led to the current Gold Certification, while Atlantis The Royal demonstrated outstanding commitment by achieving Silver Certification in the first auditing year for the property. The EarthCheck certification process is driven by a dedicated Green Committee, which work tirelessly to report high volumes of data backed with supporting evidence. The Green Committee has representatives from high-impact business units across Atlantis Dubai in order to drive maximum change. Atlantis, The Palm, Aquaventure World, and Atlantis The Royal were required to report data for the year 2023 on waste management, energy and water conservation strategies, and community contributions, amongst others. With exponential improvements over the years, some of the notable achievements as commended by EarthCheck include: Atlantis, The Palm reduced Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions per room night by 27.1% – this is attributed to 2,172 solar panels that contribute 1.18 MW of renewable solar energy to the destination’s electricity use. Freshwater systems across Atlantis Dubai are integrated with specialised filters, which contribute toward significant water savings, up to 90%. Innovative recycling programmes across Atlantis Dubai include discarded oyster shells made into coral reef structures to support marine health, cigarette butts recycled into valuable building material and discarded soap transformed into new soap and donated to communities in need. Food waste management practices include the installation of Winnow AI Technology to measure and reduce food waste, which has resulted in more than 40% reduction of food waste from buffets across the destination. Atlantis Dubai has partnered with Seafood Souk to use the SFS Trace digital platform to enhance seafood traceability in its commitment to 100% seafood traceability by December 2024. All restaurant menus consist of a minimum of five dishes where the main ingredient is locally sourced, organic, or certified sustainable. Atlantis Dubai recycled more than 1,144 tonnes of cardboard, glass, paper and plastic in 2023. In the destination’s commitment to eliminating single use plastic water bottles, filtered water stations have been installed across Atlantis, The Palm and Aquaventure World. 126,600L of used cooking oil across Atlantis Dubai was recycled into biofuel. Aquaventure World switched from single-use wristbands to reusable RFID-enabled silicone wristbands that enhanced guest experience while reducing waste to landfill by eliminating 1.9 million single-use wrist bands since launch in September 2023. 100% of paper products including office paper, tissues, retail bags and paper-based food containers used at Atlantis Dubai come from FSC certified sources. Atlantis Dubai is the first resort destination in the Middle East to be accredited as an IBCCES Certified Autism Centre. More than 90% of guest-facing colleagues from restaurants, rooms and housekeeping and lifeguards are trained in autism and sensory awareness. All marine animal experiences are underpinned by research to determine the educational value of the experiences and guest learnings through pre and post experience surveys. Atlantis Dubai contributes $1 USD from every marine animal experience participated in by a guest to support partners driving conservation and sustainability. Atlantis Dubai continues to push boundaries to become a more efficient, effective, and responsible organisation. EarthCheck’s in-depth process for certification further highlights the destination’s commitment to accountability while ensuring continuous improvement of operations toward environmental and social sustainability.
Delta, Minnesota SAF Hub announce plans for SAF blending facility
Minnesota will soon be home to a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blending facility – only the third in the United States – that will provide SAF supply via existing pipeline to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) – Delta’s second-largest hub where it uses 250 million gallons of fuel annually. The first-of-its kind Minnesota SAF Hub – of which Delta is an anchor member along with the Greater MSP Partnership, Bank of America, Ecolab and Xcel Energy – launched in August 2023 with a commitment to implement an ambitious shared strategy for aggressively decarbonizing the airline industry by scaling SAF production and replacing conventional jet fuel. On Sept. 10, the coalition announced its achievements and four major milestones on its journey to develop a fully integrated SAF supply chain in Minnesota, thanks to collaboration across the coalition’s members representing the entire SAF value chain – from finance to farm to airport: The first SAF blending facility in Minnesota: Delta and Flint Hills Resources are in the early stages of developing a facility to blend up to 30 million gallons of neat SAF at its Pine Bend refinery in Rosemount, Minnesota. The facility is likely to be the first between the coasts that can blend neat SAF with conventional jet fuel. Shell will supply the neat SAF and bring its expertise in product quality, supply chains and logistics to the team. Flint Hills will blend the jet fuel it produces with the neat SAF and will deliver via Flint Hills’ existing pipeline to MSP. The facility is expected to be completed in late 2025. Making SAF cost-competitive: A “Demand Consortium” that includes Bank of America, Deloitte, Delta, and Ecolab has been formed to purchase the first several million gallons of SAF each year, starting in the second half of 2025. The goal: scale production, drive down costs and secure multi-year demand that spurs continued growth of the SAF market. Each of these companies are providing funding to support the market production of SAF, which will contribute to verified carbon emission reductions associated with their employee business travel. Establishing SAF production in Minnesota: On August 16, the Federal Aviation Administration announced a $16.8 million Inflation Reduction Act grant to convert an existing Gevo ethanol and isobutanol fuel facility in Luverne, Minnesota, into a fully integrated alcohol-to-jet fuel facility for SAF production. This will allow the first conversion of Minnesota crops to SAF within the state. Making SAF out of next-generation feedstocks: Coalition partners at the University of Minnesota are developing a novel crop called winter camelina seed, which can be used for a variety of purposes, including producing oil for conversion into SAF. Although this crop is early in its development, future opportunities are promising, and the MN SAF Hub is working to bring the first shipment of camelina-derived SAF to MSP this fall. Minnesota is uniquely positioned to help scale the SAF industry and is why it’s an ideal location for this SAF Hub. Not only is Minnesota home to a variety of feedstocks that can be used to make SAF, it also has a strong history of producing biofuels. It was also one of the first states to enact a tax credit and construction incentive to support the development of a SAF economy. “While Delta has committed to purchasing millions of gallons of SAF, there isn’t enough being produced today to fuel the world’s commercial airlines for a single week. That’s why this blending facility is so important – it’s like hanging an ‘Open for Business’ sign to SAF producers to consider doing business in Minnesota, where we see SAF as a great opportunity for all players across the value chain,” said Peter Carter, Delta’s executive vice president of External Affairs. Delta’s work to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 while delivering a more sustainable future of travel focuses on what we fly, how we fly and the fuel we use. With around 90% of Delta’s carbon emissions coming from jet fuel, SAF is the best and fastest known way to reduce carbon emissions in the near term on our journey to net-zero emissions by 2050. SAF is a safe and certified alternative jet fuel that can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions of jet fuel by more than 80% compared to conventional jet fuel. Neat SAF is produced using renewable feedstocks including agricultural biomass, woody biomass, hydrogen, continuous living cover crops, and used cooking oil and is a drop-in replacement for regular jet fuel, known as Jet A. Current certification standards allow up to 50% neat SAF to be blended with Jet A. However, as a nascent industry, there is not enough SAF being produced today to fuel the world’s airlines for a single week, and it isn’t cost competitive. This is why the work the Minnesota SAF Hub is doing to develop a fully integrated SAF supply chain is so critical. The complexity of decarbonization means no one company or industry can do it alone – it takes all of us working together to build a more sustainable future of flight. That’s why the Minnesota SAF Hub’s work is so important - it works together across the entire SAF value chain to develop sensible strategies to produce, process and deliver SAF; and it can serve as the blueprint for a model that can be replicated to scale SAF across the country.
Eco-Friendly Domestic Flights: How to Travel Green
In today's world global warming and climate change are really serious issues. Everyone is worried and should be worried about how we can protect or contribute our part to initiatives to make at least a minimum of the harm. Air travel comes with a significant environmental cost. So as a responsible traveler in today's environmentally conscious world, you should always be on the lookout for the ways that make your journey greener. We can't completely eliminate flights from our transportation ways as it's not at all feasible. So here we will discuss how we can make the most of domestic flights to least harm the environment, the environmental impact of domestic flights, and offer actionable tips for travelers who want to minimize their footprint while taking to the skies. Importance of Eco-Friendly Travel Do we really need to care about eco-friendly travel? Well, the answer is yes we should definitely be more responsible and concerned about the environmental crisis. It's high time now. We can't be in denial any more. Everyone knows how greenhouse gas releases are causing climate change and affecting us all. No doubt aviation or air travel has its many benefits and makes the world easily accessible globally. We can travel anywhere in the world with so much ease but still all that development at what cost? Choosing an eco-friendly travel option helps in easing this impact, we can't change anything in one day but by choosing an eco-friendly travel you are making a small yet vital difference. Why Choose Eco-Friendly Flights? To understand why you should choose eco-friendly flights, first you need to understand what exactly eco-friendly flights stand for - Eco-friendly flights mean flights that aim to minimize their environmental impact through various possible means. Such as using sustainable aviation fuels, improving fuel efficiency, reducing waste, and participating in carbon offset programs. It is not something that will be achieved in one go, rather it is a process that will take time, but surely these initiatives will collectively help lower the carbon footprint of air travel. Now comes to the why, in the market, everything is connected to demand and supply. If there is a demand for something, there will be a supply for the same to make a profit and cope with that demand and supply chain. So, choosing these eco-friendly flights is more than just a means of reducing emissions; it is an act of exemplar. There will be a supply only if there is a demand. So changing this aviation industry requires a consumer-driven approach, the airlines will certainly work on innovative ways to make air travel a greener form of transportation and invest in sustainable options if they recognize the business opportunity in offering greener options. If there are consumers for greener options there will be flights with greener options. These consumer-driven changes are the only way to make those changes more effective and applicable on a larger scale. consumers must demand eco-friendly flights. Top Airlines for Green Travel Currently, no such thing as a completely eco-friendly flight exists, but some airlines are taking the initiative and leading the way in sustainable air travel. The biggest initiatives taken as of now are making next-generation aircraft and the development of biofuels and other possible alternative sources of energy. This initiative of sustainable travel is led by the following airlines: Alaska Airlines Alaska Airlines has already taken a notable step in the drift towards sustainable travel by investing in fuel-efficient aircraft and implementing comprehensive recycling programs. They have already launched a program named "Green Skies" to actually make air travel as green or sustainable as possible. JetBlue Airways JetBlue Airways is a kind of newbie in the airline business but also one of the most impactful airlines. They also took the initiative to make air travel sustainable through its carbon offset programs and are exploring alternative fuel options or renewable energy. Delta Airlines Delta Airlines is one of the most dedicatedly committed to making air travel greener or sustainable. They are peculiar about reducing emissions through using sustainable aviation fuels and innovative technologies. They are one of the few airlines that keep track of their waste and try their best to recycle as much as possible. United Airlines United Airlines is one of the major players in the aviation business so their initiative also must be the most impactful and big. They launched a program named "Eco-Skies" to reduce their carbon footprints. They are already using biofuels for their aircraft and have improved their fuel efficiency by nearly approx 30%. The Bottom Line Eco-friendly domestic flights are not just any other flight but a trend that should be followed by all or most of the air travelers. It is a much necessary evolution in the way we air travel. By choosing greener flight options we can support innovative technologies that advocate sustainable policies and can contribute towards a healthier planet and save our mother earth. Take your step towards greener travel with your next air ticket booking with an eco-friendly flight because every small step matters and brings us closer to a greener and better future.
Trafalgar and sister brands release new impact report highlighting notable progress on climate action
Trafalgar and sister brands, Insight Vacations, Luxury Gold, Costsaver and Contiki, all part of The Travel Corporation (TTC), released its third annual Impact Report. The report outlines progress against the group’s five-year sustainability strategy How We Tread Right (HWTR), which was launched in September 2020 and features 11 measurable goals developed to advance TTC’s commitment to MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®. TTC’s 2023 progress is led by the group’s decarbonisation efforts which are critical to its net zero commitment. In 2022, TTC launched its industry-leading Carbon Fund, exemplifying Trafalgar and sister brands’ financial commitment to achieving net zero, or near zero emissions by 2050 or sooner. 2023 saw the brands reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 31%, and Scope 3 emissions by 5% from its 2019 baseline. In its first year, more than USD 1.88 million was channelled to decarbonisation projects. Carbon Fund investments include the installation of new solar panels at offices in Bondi and Alexandria, and the implementation of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) biofuel for Contiki and Trafalgar in Europe, supplied by Atlas Reizen, the latter reducing Contiki trip emissions by up to 40% where HVO biofuel is available. In another industry-first step to address its footprint, Trafalgar and sister brands ended the purchase of branded merchandise designed to be gifted to guests and partners. Branded merchandise given out by Trafalgar and sister brands were discovered to produces 6.5 million car-driven miles worth of carbon emissions every year. Funds for branded merchandise are now allocated to nature-based climate solutions already supported by the groups TreadRight Foundation, TTC’s not-for-profit, including GreenWave (North America) and Rainforest Rescue (Australia). “Sustainability is not just a responsibility, but an opportunity to preserve, innovate, and build a resilient world for future generations to enjoy. Our third impact report makes two things clear – we are not standing still as there remains an incredible amount of work to be done,” says Nick Lim, CEO (Asia), The Travel Corporation. “I’m immensely proud of TTC leadership for taking such bold action, particularly through prioritising investments in carbon reductions through TTC’s Carbon Fund, and how our teams have embraced this transition happening as a business and to our sector.” Key highlights of the 2023 Impact Report: PLANET $1,880,533 of our Carbon Fund invested in or allocated to more than 13 decarbonisation projects. Reduced our Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 31% and Scope 3 emissions by 5% from its 2019 baseline Established a Net Zero Trip Roadmap, measuring the carbon footprint of 700+ trips and outlining how TTC will reduce trip emissions by 27.5% by 2030 54% of our electricity was sourced from renewable sources, an increase of 10% from 2022 Reduced printed brochures by 80% from 2019 PEOPLE 441 MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences offered across Trafalgar, Insight vacations, Luxury Gold, Costsaver and Contiki Of our 3,000 employees, 100% across the globe signed our Code of Conduct, demonstrating a universal commitment to our ethical standards Contiki’s New Zealand Trip Managers & Drivers began an extensive training program to strengthen crew competency in Māori history, culture, customs Completed 10,862 volunteer hours across TTC, reaching 83% of our 2025 goal WILDLIFE Audited 600 wildlife experiences and safari lodges to ensure 100% compliance with our Animal Welfare Policy
Industry leaders call for ‘Radical Collaboration’ at Sustainable Skies World Summit 2024
Virgin Atlantic and British Airways CEO’s call for ‘radical collaboration’ between Government, aviation fuel providers and the wider industry to reach net zero by 2050 Sustainable Skies World Summit 2024. Sitting on a panel with Julie Kitcher, Chief Sustainability Office at Airbus and Brain Moran, Chief Sustainability Officer at Boeing, Virgin Atlantic’s Shai Weiss and British Airways’ Sean Doyle discussed the positive steps made between the organisations and the increased investment in sustainable technology to reduce carbon emissions. While progress is being made and the UK Government’s SAF mandate is welcome, the panel agreed that it’s not just the OEMs’ and airlines’ responsibility to drive change and more needs to be done by the government and the wider sustainable aviation fuel infrastructure to achieve the targets set. Speaking of the panel discussion, Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic, said: “It's not often that you see two sets of competitors going toe to toe on stage, but today was unusual. “We agreed that radical collaboration is required for our industry to reach Net Zero by 2050 with a focus on the near-term, including fleet modernisation, wide adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), as well as longer term technological innovation including Hydrogen and electrification. “Last week, Virgin Atlantic published much anticipated finding from Flight100 as an open resource to show the industry that SAF is a safe, 100% drop-in replacement for fossil fuels. Decarbonisation is a big issue for all of us and we need to get it right, so there is not a choice for consumers between flying and being green; and the approximately 60% of the world who have not yet flown. Our position at Virgin Atlantic is clear - if enough SAF is made, we will fly it.” Held 15-16 May at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, Sustainable Skies World Summit 2024 convened international aviation and aerospace market leaders, UK Government and global media to accelerate global standards and cultivate collaboration from all corners of the world. On day one Anthony Browne MP, Minister for Aviation, Decarbonisation and the Future of Transport at the Department for Transport met with exhibitors at the show and held an exclusive industry roundtable to highlight the progress his department is making, and the Jet Zero Council held a working group meeting to discuss the efforts to deliver net zero and zero emission aviation through UK production of zero-emission flights and SAF. The following day Mark Harper MP, Secretary of State for Transport, joined the discussion on stage, sharing the government’s plans to power Britain to the forefront of sustainable aviation. Gareth Rogers, CEO of Farnborough International, said: “Sustainable Skies World Summit 2024 has cemented itself as a pivotal platform for industry, government, and regulators to put in place meaningful change to create a more sustainable future for aerospace and aviation. The meetings and discussions held over the last two days will propel strategy and partnerships forward, and we look forward to continuing the conversation with the global industry at Farnborough International Airshow in July.” The technology showcase displayed the latest developments in sustainable aviation technology, services and intelligence from industry pioneers, including British Airways, GKN Aerospace, Rolls-Royce, Embraer, WheelTug, Cranfield Aerospace Solutions, Nebo Air, Aerospace Technology Institute, Reaction Engines, and UK Civil Aviation Authority. During the event, Haffner Energy announced Paris-Vatry SAF, a new Sustainable Aviation Fuel production project designed to meet the exponential demand for the decarbonization of air transport. The biofuel will be produced using Haffner Energy's patented technological process, via the thermolysis of local biomass residues. Featuring over 40 speakers, the event has seen a 24% increase year-on-year in registration and attended by thousands of aerospace and aviation professionals, Sustainable Skies World Summit will return 14-15 May 2025.
Emirates Group announces 2023-24 results
The Emirates Group released its 2023-24 Annual Report, hitting new record profit, revenue, and cash balance levels. Both Emirates and dnata saw significant profit and revenue increases in 2023-24, as the Group expanded its operations around the world to meet strong customer demand for its high-quality products and services. For the financial year ended 31 March 2024, the Emirates Group posted a record profit of AED 18.7 billion (US$ 5.1 billion), up 71% compared with an AED 10.9 billion (US$ 3.0 billion) profit for last year. The Group’s revenue was AED 137.3 billion (US$ 37.4 billion), an increase of 15% over last year’s results. The Group’s cash balance was AED 47.1 billion (US$ 12.8 billion), the highest ever reported, up 11% from last year. Combined Group profits for the last 2 years, at AED 29.6 billion, surpass pandemic losses of AED 25.9 billion during 2020-2022. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates airline and Group said: “The Emirates Group has once again raised the bar to deliver a new record performance. Throughout the year, we saw high demand for air transport and travel related services around the world, and because we were able to move quickly to deliver what customers want, we achieved tremendous results. We are reaping the benefit of years of non-stop investments in our products and services, in building strong partnerships, and in the capabilities of our talented people. “Huge credit is also due to the UAE’s visionary leaders, especially HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. It is thanks to their leadership and the nation’s progressive policies that the Emirates Group is able to flourish. Both Emirates and dnata have forged successful business models leveraging Dubai’s unique advantages, in turn generating enormous value for Dubai and the communities they serve around the world.” HH Sheikh Ahmed added: “The Group’s excellent financial standing today places us in a strong position for future growth and success. It enables us to invest to deliver even better products, services, and more value to our customers and stakeholders.” Many major projects are already underway, including: a multibillion-dollar aircraft fleet and cabin renewal programme; new catering, cargo, and ground handling capabilities; advanced technologies to support the Group’s operations; expanded training and people development programmes; and initiatives to progress the Group’s sustainability agenda. In 2023-24, the Group collectively invested AED 8.8 billion (US$ 2.4 billion) in new aircraft, facilities, equipment, companies, and the latest technologies to support its growth plans. The Group’s total workforce grew by 10% to 112,406 employees, its largest size ever, as Emirates and dnata continued recruitment activity around the world to support its expanding operations and bolster its future capabilities. The Group took significant strides in its sustainability journey during 2023-24, putting into action numerous initiatives focussed on the environment, its people, customers, and communities. Environmental topics were high on the agenda during the year, as the UAE hosted the world’s biggest conference for climate action, COP28, in Dubai. In 2023-24, Emirates signed new supply agreements to uplift sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at its Dubai hub for the very first time, and also in Amsterdam and Singapore. The airline operated the first A380 demonstration flight using 100% SAF in one engine, collecting data to support industry efforts to enable a future of 100% SAF flying. Recognising that airlines today have the limited viable solutions to meaningfully reduce carbon emissions, Emirates established a US$ 200 million fund to support R&D projects that focus on reducing the impact of fossil fuels in commercial aviation. It also became a founding entity of Air-CRAFT, a UAE-based research consortium for renewable and advanced aviation fuels; and joined The Solent Cluster, a UK initiative focused on producing low-carbon fuels for a variety of sectors, including aviation. dnata continued to invest and induct more electric and hybrid vehicles to its global fleet of ground support equipment (GSE), adding new baggage tractors, cargo loaders, and pushback tractors to its USA operations. It also converted and refurbished diesel-powered GSEs in Italy to run on Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil and electric power. dnata’s UAE businesses including dnata logistics, Arabian Adventures, Alpha Flight Services and City Sightseeing Worldwide, transitioned to biofuel for its landside fleet of vehicles. During the year, dnata became the first combined air services provider to receive the International Air Transport Association’s environmental management (IEnvA) certification for its commitment to sustainability across its UAE businesses; and Emirates achieved IEnvA Stage One and the IEnvA Illegal Wildlife Trade module certifications, for its efforts in environmental stewardship and anti-wildlife trafficking. The Group ramped up investments in people development, rolling out a comprehensive programme of learning and training options for its workforce in partnership with top universities and key industry partners. A Gender Balance Council was established to champion and promote gender equality within the Group. The Emirates Group has expanded its ESG reporting in its latest 2023-24 report and are adopting aspects of the GRI standards. It plans to evolve its reporting to meet ISSB and CSRD requirements in the coming years. Sheikh Ahmed said: “We enter our 2024-25 financial year on strong foundations for continued growth. Emirates will receive delivery of 10 new A350 aircraft in 2024-25, adding to our fleet mix and supporting the next phase of its network growth. dnata will continue to leverage synergies and scale across its business divisions to grow its footprint and capabilities. In tandem, we are investing resources to minimise our environmental impact, develop our people, look after our customers and the communities we serve.” “The business outlook is positive, and we expect customer demand for air transport and travel to remain strong in the coming months. As always, we will keep a close watch on costs and external factors such as oil prices, currency fluctuations, and volatile environments caused by socio-political changes. Our business model has been tested before, and I am confident in our resilience and ability to respond quickly to opportunities and challenges.” He added:“Looking further ahead, the Dubai government has announced plans to start the next phase of expansion at Al Maktoum International Airport, which will eventually be the new hub for Emirates and dnata’s operations. This AED 128 billion (US$ 35 billion) investment will significantly expand and enhance Dubai’s aviation and logistics infrastructure, supporting the city’s growth, and Emirates’ and dnata’s growth.
Holland America Line Flagship Rotterdam Pilots of Renewable Fuels
Holland America Line has announced the commencement of a long-term biofuel test on its flagship, the Rotterdam. The ship will leverage 100% low-carbon biofuel while sailing within the Norwegian World Heritage Fjords. The Rotterdam bunkered the biofuel before leaving the Port of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, on April 27, 2024. The ship will operate one of its four engines using low-carbon intensity oil derived from organic waste or residues. It will be certified according to the EU Renewable Energy Directive while in the Fjords. The GoodFuels MR1-100 sustainable biofuel supplied by FincoEnergies will yield an estimated 86% reduction in life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions. “Holland America Line is committed to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, and we are excited to demonstrate a next-generation fuel source that can help us achieve our pursuit of net zero emissions,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. Converting items such as food waste into fuel is an innovative way to meet environmental challenges, and we thank the Dutch government for its support.” The initial tests will occur on one of the ship’s four engines during cruises this month, with the potential to expand to multiple engines during the summer while operating in the Norwegian World Heritage Fjords, specifically Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord. Biofuels: A Sustainable Alternative Biofuels are derived from feedstocks certified as 100% organic waste or residue, with no risk of land-use change or deforestation and no competition with food production. Fuel biofuels are associated with minimal emissions during production, produced from waste fats, oils, and grease leftover from feedstock processing. This results in a very low carbon intensity, with an estimated reduction of 86% in emissions compared to marine gas oil (MGO). Holland America Line’s existing ships operate on biofuels without engine or fuel structure modifications. The company continues to partner with companies to find ways to reduce emissions and develop alternative fuels and technologies. “The GoodFuels MR1-100 fits the existing practice in shipping where heavier fuels are already used today,” said Johannes Schurmann, Commercial Director of International Marine at FincoEnergies. “Together with our clients, we optimize sustainability and cost of the biofuel while not jeopardizing the performance in the engine and fuel system.” “There is a need to look at all good alternatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the future, and we see biofuels as one of the alternatives that, with the right use and origin, will contribute to emission reductions, which we welcome. The Norwegian Maritime Authority takes a positive view of all measures taken by the industry to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Alf Tore, Acting Director General of Shipping and Navigation at Norwegian Maritime Authority. Holland America Line’s Commitment to Sustainability Holland America Line is one of the first Carnival Corporation brands to run a long-term 100% biofuel shipboard operation, completing a successful first test in August 2022. Carnival Corporation’s German line AIDA also tested GoodFuels biofuels on board AIDAprima in Rotterdam in 2022. While biofuels have been tested on large diesel engines at shoreside research facilities and in other shipping segments, these are among the first live tests on working cruise ships. The two cruise lines’ biofuel tests support Carnival Corporation’s overall environmental mission, goals, and aspirations. Carnival Corporation’s 2023 Sustainability Report, released in April 2024, shows the company making significant achievements toward its 2030 goals and the overall aspiration to achieve net zero emissions from ship operations by 2050.
Royal Caribbean Group Reports Annual Sustainability Progress Towards Nett Zero
Royal Caribbean Group has released its annual Sustainability Report, outlining significant milestones the company has reached in its mission to responsibly deliver the best vacation experiences. Driven by its SEA the Future initiative, the company has advanced its commitment to sustain the planet, energise communities, and accelerate innovation. In 2023, Royal Caribbean Group made significant progress towards its net zero vision. It achieved over half of the company’s carbon intensity reduction target, completed successful biofuel trials across Europe, and introduced the maritime industry’s first waste-to-energy system onboard a ship. Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group said, “I am proud to share the encouraging results from our SEA the Future efforts in our annual Sustainability Report and our first Community Impact Report, which underscore the strength of our commitment to the environment, the communities we visit, and our people.” The publication of its first Community Impact Report dives into the breadth of work Royal Caribbean Group completed in 2023 to engage communities, celebrate its culture, and promote economic resiliency in the destinations they visit. Highlights from the reports include: Sustaining the Planet It achieved a 6.8% reduction in carbon intensity, reaching more than half of its double-digit carbon intensity reduction target. Expanded its energy portfolio following successful biofuel trials, which confirmed that “drop-in” percentages of the alternative fuel can be used without needing to modify engines or impact onboard technical systems. Increased local sourcing globally, reducing miles travelled by 37% — supporting not only the communities it visits but also reducing its Scope 3 emissions in certain regions. Helped protect marine species through Shellbank, an innovative genetic technology program that matches DNA for critically endangered sea turtles to known locations to determine priority conservation sites and prevent illegal harvesting. Energizing Communities Launched Royal Caribbean International’s Artist Discovery Program, prominently showcasing up-and-coming local Caribbean artists on board the company’s newest ship, Icon of the Seas. Designed unique training for Bahamian entrepreneurs participating in the Small Business Development Centre’s (SBDC) Royal Caribbean Kickstarter Programme, which was created to empower local tourism-related businesses. Introduced the first accessible Star Class suite on Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas. Accelerating Innovation Introduced the first at-sea waste-to-energy systems, which debuted on Silver Nova and Icon of the Seas. Began construction on the first tri-fuel methanol-capable ship, Celebrity Xcel. We have renewed our partnership with the University of Miami’s OceanScope and committed additional funds. This partnership builds on two decades of ocean conservation and research aboard Royal Caribbean Group ships. With a sustainability journey that began over 30 years ago, Royal Caribbean Group introduced an industry-leading recycling program, Save the Waves and the first Environmental Officer onboard a cruise ship. Today, the company continues to innovate and connect people to the world’s most beautiful places in a way that respects and protects the ocean and communities it visits. The company is moving closer to Destination Net Zero ambition, aiming to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. The post Royal Caribbean Group Reports Annual Sustainability Progress Towards Nett Zero first appeared on Stray Nomad Travel News.
Australian Corporates Fly High on Sustainable Fuel
In a landmark shift towards greener skies, Australian banks, resource companies, and management consultancies are spearheading the transition to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to decarbonise their business travel and meet ambitious emissions reduction targets. This year, eleven forward-thinking businesses have opted to pay a premium for SAF through Qantas’s corporate sustainable aviation programme. This move prioritises direct contribution to SAF costs over traditional carbon offsets. Among the new entrants, Accenture, Fortescue, and McKinsey & Company have emerged as Partners, collectively addressing 1000 tonnes of carbon emissions. Commonwealth Bank, ING Australia, Deloitte, IMC, and Raytheon Australia have joined as Members, each contributing to offset 400-600 tonnes of carbon emissions. The surge in participation has seen the SAF Coalition program double in size within its inaugural year, joining forces with five founding partners, including Australia Post, BCG, and Woodside. Andrew Parker, Qantas Group Chief Sustainability Officer, underscores the significance of SAF in achieving Australia’s decarbonisation goals. “The growing demand from corporate Australia for SAF is a clear vote of confidence in the domestic production of biofuels,” Parker stated. The corporate program is part of Qantas’s broader strategy to manage SAF’s higher costs while championing and investing in local production. Qantas’s commitment extends to collaborating with industry partners on local technologies and projects aimed at propelling the sector towards net-zero emissions, stimulating economic growth, creating green jobs, and bolstering domestic fuel security. The Qantas SAF Coalition program employs a “book and claim” methodology, enabling corporates to support SAF scaling and reap environmental benefits, irrespective of whether the fuel powers their specific flights. This approach aligns with the guidance of the Science-Based Targets Initiatives, offering a framework for businesses to integrate SAF into their travel and scope 3 emissions strategies. The premium paid by these corporates contributes to the 10 million litres of SAF that Qantas secures for its London flights. Notably, Qantas is the sole Australian airline to consistently purchase SAF for its scheduled services and has recently renewed its contract with BP, marking the third consecutive year of SAF acquisition from London. SAF emerges as the most potent tool for airlines to slash emissions, compatible with current engines and infrastructure without any modifications. Aviation biofuels are lauded for delivering an approximate 80% reduction in life-cycle carbon emissions. Qantas’s Pledge to the Australian SAF Industry: Qantas has established a $400 million climate fund dedicated to sustainability projects and technologies, focusing on fostering a domestic SAF industry. In a recent announcement, Qantas revealed that its deals with Boeing and Airbus would secure up to 500 million litres of SAF annually, starting in 2028, potentially fulfilling most of its 2030 SAF target. Since 2022, Qantas has been procuring SAF from London and is poised to use it in California, marking significant strides in the airline’s sustainability journey. The collective efforts of Qantas and its corporate partners are not just a flight of fancy but a determined ascent towards a cleaner, more sustainable future in aviation.The post Australian Corporates Fly High on Sustainable Fuel first appeared on Stray Nomad Travel News.
Wizz Air reaches new record with 60.3 million passengers in 2023
Wizz Air, Europe’s fastest growing and most environmentally sustainable airline globally*, today reveals they transported 60.3 million people in 2023. The result is the highest ever yearly passenger traffic numbers for WIZZ, and a 32% increase compared to 2022. In 2023, Wizz Air launched nearly a hundred new routes, took delivery of 32 brand new Airbus A321neo aircraft and flew 263 million kilometres combined. In 2023 the airline completed 99.31% of its scheduled flights, which is the third best among all European airlines and well above the industry average. Wizz Air also ranked in the top three airlines in Europe for share of flights operated exactly on time. In 2023, Wizz Air increased its capacity by 23% and introduced over 10 new routes from the UK, operating from 7 airports, including 2 bases – London Luton and London Gatwick. The airline operated over 59,000 flights to and from the UK, 11% more than in 2022, and at the same time improved operational performance. The airline also completed its first fully electric turnarounds in Rome and Budapest, building on its sustainability credentials. Wizz Air also made a significant investment of £5 million into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) research and development. The airline is backing biofuels firm Firefly Green Fuels to supply SAF to its UK operations from 2028, with up to 525,000 tonnes over 15 years. The airline sponsored its first running event in the UK – Wizz Air Hackney Half– and will continue the partnership in 2024. Wizz Air’s Corporate Communication Manager, Zsuzsa Trubek, said: “We are proud to have finished 2023 with record passenger numbers , an ever-evolving network, advanced fleet and enhanced operational performance. The UK is a key market in the Wizz Air network, and we are looking forward to growing with further investments in 2024. We will celebrate 20 years of affordable travel with Wizz Air in 2024, and we can’t wait to share more exciting adventures with passengers and welcome them onboard.” *According to CAPA - Centre for Aviation Awards for Excellence 2022-2023
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