We’ve seen both airlines and airports become more and more aware of their carbon footprint in recent months. So far, airlines have pushed green initiatives, solar powered airports have emerged, and scientists have begun to quantify just how green flights can truly be.
United CEO Glenn Tilton is no exception to the rule. At an energy conference on Wednesday, Tilton made it clear that both commercial and military airlines are actively seeking ways to use alternatives to jet fuel.
While pushing to make the long-term switch to fuel alternatives, he also mentioned that most airlines across the country are still dealing with the recession, and that as of right now, financial changes need to be incredibly conservative.
Most airlines don’t have the cash or the credit to be initiating such a significant a change, but with the help of government incentives and potential private investors, it may be a reality.
According to USA Today, making the switch could actually save the airlines money. In 2008, airlines in the US paid approximately $58 billion, which is a steep $15 billion more than they paid in 2007. Such drastic rising costs of fuel are disadvantageous to the airlines’ budgeting bottom lines, especially when each individual airline uses about 18-20 billion gallons of jet fuel in a single year.
But finances aren’t the only issue here. Switching to alternative fuels will ultimately reduce each airline’s carbon footprint, making air travel a dramatically different contribution to the environment. For years, environmentalists have pointed out that airplanes have been seen as a detriment to the sky, but with making the switch to alternative fuels, airlines will be making way for much more efficient and cleaner burning system than the traditional crude oil method.
For ways on how you can travel green even before the airlines do, check out our Eco-Travel Preparations.
© Cheapflights Ltd Andrea Mooney
