Virgin claims 100,000 tonnes of CO2 savings from new software

As part of their sustainable tourism initiatives Virgin supports Free the Children charity

Innovative computer software will save Virgin Atlantic almost £20 million and reduce fuel emissions  by 100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.

 Using sophisticated analysis, it pin points accurately where fuel can be used more efficiently, monitoring 300 different points during each flight and enabling the airline to reduce fuel burn significantly. 

As a result the airline can now monitor and improve:

How arrival delays and holding patterns at destination increases fuel burn

How pilot technique, flight plans and maintenance activities can improve fuel efficiency

How airline activity on the ground impacts fuel burn

Further improvements and information gleaned from the software – developed by OSyS, a subsidiary of Rolls Royce – are expected to provide Virgin Atlantic with even more savings in the future.

Details were published when the airline published its latest annual Sustainability Report, as it looks to cement its place amongst the world’s greenest airlines.

Within its report, Sir Richard Branson’s airline revealed that it is on track to meet its ambitious target to reduce CO2 emissions by 30% between 2007 and 2020.  

Virgin Atlantic Chief Executive Steve Ridgway said:

 "We want to be one of the leading airlines on sustainability, driving solutions for our industry. We are known for our innovation, and our adventurous spirit means we’re not afraid to push boundaries in following our sustainability agenda.

 "An airline striving to be green is not the contradiction in terms that people may think and this report is a further statement of our commitment to meet those green ambitions."

In addition to the savings which will be delivered through the fuel management software, Virgin Atlantic’s future fuel use is expected to be significantly reduced due to this year’s introduction of seven new Airbus A330 aircraft. Each aircraft is up to 15% more fuel efficient on a per-seat basis than the aircraft they replace in the Virgin Atlantic fleet.

  Meanwhile work is continuing with New Zealand-based company LanzaTech on a world-first low-carbon aviation fuel using waste gases that would otherwise be burnt into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.

Said Steve Ridgway:

 "Fuel use is our number one environmental issue – as well as a significant financial one. We have worked hard to develop innovative solutions to this matter and this is resulting in major benefits on two fronts as we reduce our carbon footprint and at the same time deliver major cost savings to the airline."

 Virgin Atlantic also revealed that it is recruiting ‘green champions’ from around the airline who will use their experience from the front line of the business to provide advice and suggestions on how small practical changes could make a big difference in reducing Virgin Atlantic’s carbon footprint.

 Also within the Sustainability Report is the news that 2011 was a record-breaking year for fundraising for Virgin Atlantic’s charity partner Free the Children. £1.5million was raised through passenger donations, staff volunteering and flight and cargo assistance.

 On the back of this the airline has announced that it is extending its three year partnership with the charity for another three years, with one of the key projects being an Adopt a Village initiative with a new partner community in Takoradi, Ghana.

Valere Tjolle

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