The Spanish airline Air Europa joined SkyTeam’s «The Sustainable Flight Challenge». The aim of the initiative is to adopt measures to reduce the environmental impact of the industry. Within this framework, last Friday, May 6th, the company operated the «most sustainable flight in its history».
The alliance launched the program to its member airlines to encourage innovation and the search for sustainable solutions for the industry. Member airlines can participate in fourteen different categories through the effective implementation of alternatives to address aviation’s environmental challenges.
The ultimate goal is that successful options can be consistently implemented in future operations. Delta Air Lines, ITA Airways and KLM have already participated in the challenge.
See also: Delta demonstrated all of its sustainable initiatives on a SkyTeam-coordinated flight
Air Europa’s sustainable flight covered the route between Madrid-Barajas (MAD) and Gran Canaria (LPA) with a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. This aircraft model, the U.S. manufacturer’s most modern for long-range routes, is one of the most efficient in the current airline market. Thanks to improved aerodynamics and the use of innovative materials in its construction, it can reduce fuel consumption by up to 20% compared to other aircraft in this segment. It also has a considerably lower noise impact.
For the sustainable flight, Air Europa purchased biofuel produced from vegetable oil at the Petronor refinery in Bilbao, Basque Country. The implementation of fuels obtained from alternative raw materials to petroleum is one of the main viable options in the short term to achieve a reduction in carbon emissions from aviation.
Groundforce, which provides airport handling services, used its most efficient vehicles for ground handling at both airports.
Enaire, Spain’s air navigation management company, collaborated in the planning of the continuous climb and descent procedures. In addition, it was part of the planning of the route to be followed based on a route optimization criterion with the aim of reducing fuel consumption and its associated emissions.
Biodegradable materials were used for in-flight services and waste was disposed using a separation criterion. Air Europa states that the new materials used on its aircraft are part of the phase prior to the total elimination of plastic on board.
See also: ITA Airways joins SkyTeam’s Sustainable Flight Challenge
