Not that it’ll silence the flygskammers but airlines are addressing clean skies, and Ireland’s national carrier are leading the way with Aer Lingus in a golden state.
Renewables Aemetis, Inc and International Airlines Group are supplying sustainable aviation fuel.
To power Aer Lingus and British Airways flights from San Francisco Airport from 2025.
Over to Aer Lingus Chief Exec Lynne Embleton.
“As we work towards our commitment of powering 10% of flights using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by 2030…
“This agreement with Aemetis will see aircraft on our San Francisco route using low carbon biofuels from sustainable wastes.”
Now, I’ll leave the science to the engineers (best).
And Aer Lingus report that this summer they have signed two SAF deals.
And a lease agreement for two new Airbus A320neo aircraft.
Now for the science bit
And Lynne says: “These are all key steps in achieving our lower-carbon future and net zero carbon emissions by 2050.”
IAG, parent company of Aer Lingus and British Airways will purchase a total of 78,400 tonnes of SAF over seven years.
And that is enough to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 248,000 tonnes (the equivalent of taking over 16,000 cars off the road) across the same time period.
While in July, Aer Lingus signed another SAF agreement with Gevo, Inc., a US-based renewable fuels producer.
The agreement will see the purchase of 19,000 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel per year for five years, powering flights from Los Angeles.
Aer Lingus is also investing in new generation and more fuel-efficient aircraft such as the Airbus A320neo and A32l neo LR.
In June, Aer Lingus signed a lease agreement for two new Airbus A320neo aircraft.
And that will see this new generation aircraft joining Aer Lingus’ fleet for the first time.
The Airbus A320neo delivers up to 20% reduction in fuel burn and CO2 emissions.
Shamrocks in my hair
And close to 50% reduction in noise footprint.
When compared to the previous generation aircraft, A320ceo.
Of course we don’t have to wait until 2025 to get to Frisco.
And it is an itch waiting to be scratched with Covid putting paid to my plans to get to Dublin in the Tri-Valley region.
When I was, of course, going to channel my inner hippy by going to San Francisco wearing shamrocks in my hair.
Fare play
Now with my Irish history, Aer Lingus was naturally my go-to airline.
When I returned Stateside this year for my rail trip around New England.
And when, not if, I go to San Francisco I’ll be hopping on their deals from Scotland.