On June 15 at 15:30 local time, Viva Aerobus made its first flight with sustainable fuel on the Los Angeles (LAX) – Guadalajara (GDL) route where it flew around 2,200 kilometers and boarded 186 passengers.
The fuel was supplied by the Finnish company Neste, produced from renewable waste and leftover raw materials, such as leftover animal fat. The company will start making more green flights, as it will develop a commercial agreement for the purchase of one million liters of this energy source.
Flight VB 511 was powered by 35% sustainable fuel, which reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 80% compared to traditional fossil fuels. That is 7,200 liters of fuel, of which 2,520 liters are sustainable. Therefore, with this flight alone, Viva Aerobus avoided emitting 6.3 tons of CO2, equivalent to the amount of CO2 emitted by one person for more than a year.
«At Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) we are leading the industry’s transition to a more sustainable future through a robust plan to achieve zero emissions, and this includes working with airlines and our partners for greater sustainable fuel efficiency,» said Justin Erbacci, LAWA CEO.
In addition, a recycled cotton bag and the airline’s first green flight certificate were handed out during the flight to raise environmental awareness among passengers. This certificate is made of seeded paper, allowing passengers to plant and recover trees.
«We are proud to work hand in hand with Neste on the path towards the decarbonization of the airline industry. In 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, emissions generated by this industry represented 2.8% of global emissions according to data from the International Energy Agency» said Juan Carlos Zuazua, CEO of Viva Aerobus.
To celebrate the airline’s new commitment to the environment, Viva Aerobus has revealed that it will equip one of its Airbus A321s with a special livery alluding to its «The Future is Green» environmental culture. The aircraft will be taking to the skies next month, making close to 2,000 flights a year, becoming an ambassador for sustainability and a visual reminder of how important it is to protect planet Earth.
It is worth noting that the Airbus A321 is a highly eco-efficient aircraft. The latest generation of Pratt and Whitney engine technology, aerodynamic advances, 240-passenger capacity, and cabin improvements result in a 15 % reduction in fuel consumption and a significant reduction in noise levels.
All these missions are aimed at reducing the carbon footprint and meeting the airline’s goal of reducing CO2 emissions by more than 15% per passenger/km by 2025. In this way, Viva Aerobus is working to consolidate its position as Mexico’s greenest airline, claiming to have by far the lowest CO2 emissions per passenger in the country thanks to its operational efficiency and the youngest fleet in Mexico.
