EK launches world’s longest green flight
DUBAI: Emirates Airline will trial a new environmental programme as it executes the world’s longest green journey and the world’s first cross-polar green flight.
The programme will be launched on the airline’s inaugural flight from Dubai to San Francisco on December 15.
Appropriately hailed as the ‘Emvironment’ flight, Emirates is working closely with government agencies in Dubai, Russia, Canada and the United States to plot the most environmentally-sophisticated trip possible to save fuel and carbon emissions on the 16-hour non-stop service.
The airline will use the new ultra eco-efficient Boeing 777-200LR to service the San Francisco-Dubai route as part of the airline’s multi-billion dollar investment in economic and environmental efficiencies.
“After months of planning, Emirates’ Emvironment flight is a best-practice trial of how airlines, governments, manufacturers, technology providers and airports can work together to be as eco-efficient as possible,†said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group.
To ensure a more fuel-efficient route, the flight will utilise new corridors of Russian airspace – thanks to the support of the Russian Government.
The inaugural green flight will demonstrate multiple fuel and emission-saving measures including:
– The new 777-200LR will be specially washed beforehand to minimize drag.
– The aircraft will use electrical power on the ground in Dubai rather than running its auxiliary power unit.
– Dubai Air Traffic Control will give the aircraft priority clearance for both taxiing and departure.
– A pre-planned priority departure route out of Dubai will provide an unimpeded climb through to cruise altitude, allowing the aircraft to reach its optimum cruise altitude as quickly and efficiently as possible.
– Recent Emirates negotiations with the Russian Government will allow for a preferred route over Russian and Canadian airspace for the most efficient path, taking into account prevailing winds and the aircraft’s weight.
– Real time updates of current weather and wind conditions to allow the flight crew to modify their flight path on route.
– The aircraft will track close to the North Pole following extensive work by Emirates and aircraft manufacturers to open this new routing.
– Flexible routings will be pursued over Canadian airspace.
– The FAA and San Francisco Air Traffic Control will seek to offer optimal routings for arrival and if possible a continuous descent approach to minimize fuel burn.
– The aircraft will use minimal thrust on landing and single-engine taxi to its gate.
Ian Jarrett
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