Flying Greener

Today being the final day for our flight to Tokyo sweepstakes (enter at https://assets.m80im.com/contests/staralliance ) I have been researching the ‘greening of planes’.

Plenty of rumours, greenwashing and good intentions, but here are a few solid steps forward:

Virgin Atlantic’s ‘Gold Standard Carbon Offset Scheme’ lets passengers  offset their portion of carbon emissions while onboard, or when they book the flight, with the money being used to support projects in Indonesia and India.

I am cheered by the news that Qatar Airways, along with Qatar Gas and Shell, is working to get their planes flying on natural gas. The trio are talking to Rolls-Royce and General Electric about developing an engine for natural gas-powered aircraft.

Gas would lower emissions and pollution so if they get the technology, this would be a great breakthrough.

The various Virgin Airlines have or are considering environmental measures such as carbon offsetting and lightening loads to cut fuel usage.

More big companies are hiring lighter (therefore less emissions) business jets to fly their staff to places instead of using commercial flights

A $94-million prototype of a solar plane called the Soar Impulse has even been designed and flown by Bertrand and Co. It only has room for one person, but it is an exciting start (info: www.popularmechanics.com/blogs/science_news/4230299.html)