eFlyer Asia - Intelligence

A380s Find New Ways To Cut Emissions

Four major aviation organizations have devised a new take-off procedure for A380s that saves fuel and emits less carbon dioxide and keeps noise levels down.

Over the last year, Singapore Airlines, Airbus and London Heathrow Airport (LHR) have been working with NATS, an air traffic organization serving aircraft flying in U.K. airspace, and over the eastern part of the North Atlantic. The new procedure saves an additional 300 kg of fuel per flight, equating to one metric tonne of carbon dioxide emissions on a flight from London to Singapore (SIN), as well as reducing nitrogen oxide emissions.

Using this new procedure, all A380s departing Heathrow now use less power when taking off thereby saving fuel and reducing emissions. Upon reaching a height of 1,500 feet, the aircraft uses flexible acceleration up to 4,000 feet, before continuing its journey.

"The A380 represents the most significant step forward in reducing aircraft fuel burn and resultant emissions in four decades whilst offering greater comfort on board," said Tom Williams, executive vice president programmes, Airbus. "In fact, the A380 consumes less than three litres of fuel per passenger per 100 km."

"Our cooperation with Heathrow, NATS and Airbus goes to show what can be achieved when stakeholders share the same goal of reducing carbon emissions and fuel burn,” said Capt. Gerard Yeap, senior vice president flight operations, Singapore Airlines. “We hope this partnership will serve as a model for airport operators and governments elsewhere in the world."