Airlines stepping up efforts to cut CO2

Airlines are striving to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in an effort to tackle global warming.

Moreover, soaring oil prices have prompted airlines to consider various ways to reduce fuel costs.

The amount of CO2 emitted on a per passenger, per kilometer basis by a commercial jet is about six times higher than that of a train and double that of a bus. In an effort to close this gap, airlines have been lightening their fully loaded aircraft, going so far as to shave grams off items, as well as finding other ways to reduce fuel consumption.
Japan Airlines said in a commercial message aired on flights in June that the firm and its group firms could reduce carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to the CO2 absorption of 550,000 Japanese cedar trees per year if passengers reduced the weight of their baggage by as little as the weight of a standard drink in a plastic bottle.

The JAL group said that a reduction of just 1 kilogram per flight, would see its fleet reduce annual CO2 emissions by 76 tons.

Airlines also are making their own efforts to reduce the weight of their aircraft.

JAL and All Nippon Airways have reduced the weight of the spoon and a plate used for inflight meals by about 2 grams and about 100 grams, respectively. They also use miniature liquor bottles and carry the minimum amount of water required to serve passengers.

Flight efficiency also is being addressed.

Daily Yomiuri