ATW Daily News

Airbus, easyJet make push for cleaner aircraft

Friday June 15, 2007

Airbus entered the fray over aviation's environmental impact, saying yesterday that it is targeting a 50% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions and an 80% lowering of nitrogen oxide production in new aircraft by 2020 compared to those manufactured in 2000.

President and CEO Louis Gallois called for an environmental summit of CEOs representing engine and airframe manufacturers. "Technology and leadership is key," he said.

Airbus's pro-environment statement came on the same day easyJet unveiled the "easyJet ecoJet," which it said will be 25% quieter, emit 50% less CO2 and 75% less NOX than today's 737s and A320s. CEO Andy Harrison said such an aircraft is "realistic and it is achievable" by 2015. He claimed the airline "would order hundreds of them" if they are built; "What we're saying to Airbus is, 'Make sure you're ahead in the battle for the small narrowbodied aircraft.'" The carrier currently operates 101 A319s and 30 737-300s. It has an order with Airbus for an additional 91 A319s for delivery between 2007 and 2010 plus 123 A320 family options available through 2015.

As outlined yesterday, the ecoJet would incorporate rear-mounted open-rotor engines, its airframe would be made of advanced weight-reducing materials similar to those used in the 787 and it would have a lower design cruise speed to reduce drag and a shorter design range (2,000 nm.) to reduce weight. "The lightweight structure and open-rotor engines are based on technologies that are being developed right now by the major manufacturers," Harrison noted.

Meanwhile, Gallois said Airbus is targeting a 30% reduction in company energy consumption by 2020. He also committed to reinvesting savings expected from environmental initiatives back into research into cleaner technologies. He said Airbus will boost its research and technology budget by 25% starting in 2008.

"Air travel is one of the most environmentally progressive industries and one which delivers solutions," Gallois said, touting the A380 as the "Gentle Green Giant."

by Cathy Buyck and Aaron Karp

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