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‘Dirty’ airlines should be penalised – easyJet boss
The boss of easyJet has called on the government to penalise airlines not operating the most environmentally-friendly aircraft and incentivise passengers to use those flying the newest fleets.
The call by chief executive Andy Harrison came as the budget carrier exercised options on 35 Airbus A319s for delivery in 2011 and 2012.
The agreement means that the airline has 120 aircraft on firm order valued at $7 billion and has purchase rights over a further 88.
The total size of easyJet’s order of Airbus aircraft, including options, announced in October 2002, is 315. Airbus has delivered 105 A319s to date, meaning that the airline has taken an A319 into its fleet every 13 days.
EasyJet claims the A319 is roughly 15% more efficient per seat than the older-generation Boeing 737-300s which it replaces.
The new aircraft coupled with higher seat densities and higher load factors, means that easyJet emits nearly 27% fewer emissions per passenger kilometre than a traditional airline flying similar routes, according to the airline.
Harrison said: “Last week easyJet outlined its demands for the next generation of aircraft technology from 2015 and unveiled its ‘easyJet ecoJet’ design of concept.
“In the intervening years, easyJet is proud to operate one of the youngest fleets of clean, quiet aircraft of any major airline in Europe.
“Our combination of a modern fleet, with an average age of 2.3 years, and high utilisation means that we emit nearly 27% fewer emissions per passenger kilometre than traditional airlines flying similar routes.
“Regulators and legislators should take note of today’s order for the some of the newest, cleanest, quietest aircraft.
“Unlike road transport, there is very little understating of the differing environmental credentials of different airlines.
“Politicians need to develop policies which incentivise consumers to choose those airlines operating the newest, cleanest aircraft and penalise those that do not. “
by Phil Davies
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