Under new European regulation, all airlines flying in and out of Europe will be required to reduce carbon gas emission by 3% by the end of 2012. Yet movements this week would suggest many airlines are willing to go further…
Thai Airlines International intends to achieve 50% reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, taking up the industry-wide targets layed out through ATAG. Working together with the Corporate Social Responsibility programme, they are aiming to reduce GHG emission on all flights through fuel and energy saving methods. One of the most effective ways for airlines to improve their energy and fuel efficiency is by modernising their fleet - this week, Thai Airways announced they would be acquiring 15 new energy-efficient aircraft by 2014!
Another airline is exceeding expectations, gaining recognition from a group of green advocates from the government, business and citizens' group in Seoul. This group, who make up the Climate Change Forum, awarded Asiana Airlines with a prize for its efforts in reducing carbon emissions through their carbon offsetting program, reducing weights of flights and cleaning engines to save fuel. The result has seen a carbon reduction of 30,000 tonnes from 2008.
Finnair has been looking beyond the air and the ground for measures in which they can contribute to global environmental efforts, announcing this week that they will be supporting the Baltic Sea Action Group (BSAG) in its work to improve the state of the Baltic Sea – the world’s most polluted sea. The idea behind the BSAG is to obtain as high quality research data as possible to support practical measures to restore the Baltic Sea and ensure that the right steps are taken for the good of the sea. Finnair's participation in the BSAG involves helping with travel arrangements, enhancing visibility and offering the possibility of donating Finnair Plus points. By donating 75,000 Finnair Plus points to BSAG, Finnair's frequent flyers can donate oil-spill containment boom to the rescue department, which provides protection against irreversible damage in the event of an accident.







