The carbon dioxide emissions efficiency of Emirates, the leading airline of the UAE, was 26 per cent better than the global airline average, the Emirates Group said in a report.

Covering the 2010-2011 fiscal year, the Group’s first comprehensive environmental report analysed environmental performance data from a range of Group activities, including airline operations, dnata’s cargo and ground handling businesses and a range of commercial activities on the ground.

The report’s aim is to understand the Group’s environmental impact, as well as identifying opportunities to improve and capture best practice across our 60,000 strong workforce, it said in a statement.

In addition to the carbon dioxide emissions efficiency figure of 0.75kg per tonne-kilometre (TK) that was 26 per cent better than Iata’s fleet average, the report highlighted an airline fuel efficiency figure of 4.12 litres per 100 passenger-kilometres.

“Emirates takes its commitment to the environment very seriously and strives to be an industry innovator and leader. The report is more than a snap-snot of the performance of the Group, it will act as a future measure of success in all we do,” said Andrew Parker, senior vice-president, Public, Industry, International and Environmental Affairs.

“Be it the airline, dnata’s passenger handling, or at any of our facilities, Emirates is focused on maximising eco-efficiency to minimise our environmental footprint.”

One example of The Emirates Group’s commitment to fuel efficiency is the recent participation of Emirates Airline in the INSPIRE (Indian Ocean Strategic Partnership to Reduce Emissions) programme, with two test flights (one from Dubai to Brisbane, the second from Perth to Dubai).

“The INSPIRE flights are only one example of our continuous efforts to reduce our environmental impact and our commitment to a greener future,” explained Captain Alan Stealey, divisional senior vice president Flight Operations.

“These flights illustrate that Emirates’ long-term strategy to address the environmental concerns of our customers, our partners and our industry has become a part of the everyday operating fabric of our organisation, not just something we recognise once a year.” – TradeArabia News Service