Chicago (TAN): American carrier United Airlines flew an eco-friendly flight called ‘Flight for the Planet’ on World Environment Day.
The airline made history by operating the flight, which it called ‘the most eco-friendly commercial flight of its kind in the history of aviation’. A range of sustainable actions were fulfilled on a single commercial flight that included ‘utilisation of sustainable aviation biofuel, zero cabin waste efforts, carbon offsetting and operational efficiencies’.
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United Airlines President Scott Kirby said the historic flight was in line with the airline’s innovation efforts towards a sustainable future.
“As an airline, we see our environment from a unique perspective every day and we know we must do our part to protect our planet and our skies,” he said.
The flight was flown from Chicago O’Hare International Airport to United’s ‘eco-hub’ in Los Angeles in California. Sustainable aviation biofuel has been used to run all United flights from Los Angeles since 2016.
Biofuel reaches over 60 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions on a lifecycle basis compared to traditional jet fuel, making it one of the best approaches to reduce carbon footprint. The carrier used a mix of low-carbon, sustainable aviation fuel provided by Boston-based biofuel supplier World Energy, and traditional jet fuel in a 30-70 ratio to power the Flight for the Planet. United will buy up to 10 million gallons of biofuel from World Energy over the next two years.
The airline that plans to halve its carbon footprint by 2050 took other measures to conserve fuel – the Flight for the Planet adopted single-engine taxiing, a continuous descent approach into Los Angeles, and prioritised Air Traffic Control. United used its Eco-Skies livery Boeing 737-900ER for the flight, which typically covers 77 miles on one gallon of fuel.
Also, 40 per cent of the carrier’s eligible ground service equipment is run by electricity, while over 70 per cent of its ground operation in Los Angeles uses electric ground service equipment. United became the first airline to use new ITW 7400 electric ground power units that reduce carbon emissions by 90 per cent.
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The carrier is replacing snack options in the economy cabin with a plated service which will use fully recyclable or compostable serviceware, including a recyclable-paper and hot beverage cup. Beeswax food wrappers will substitute plastic lids in the premium cabin, which will continue using reusable service ware. The paper wrapping the silverware rolls will also be eliminated. Non-recyclable stirring sticks and cocktail picks have already been replaced with eco-friendly bamboo products.
United has partnered with Virginia-based nonprofit environmental organization Conservation International to balance the remaining emission through the carbon offset programme Eco-Skies CarbonChoice.
