Boeing powers head with green flight plans

Solving the twin problems of harmful fuel emissions and increased demand for overseas travel is troubling many airlines and plane manufacturers.

Although there have been emissions targets set by many governments, some airlines seem to be taking a relaxed approach to cutting their contribution to global warming. However, in a recently tested flight, Boeing and American Airlines trialled what they have called the ecoDemonstrator, a plane they say will help advance technologies designed to cut emissions and noise.

The plane, a redesigned Boeing 737-800, has been loaned by the American Airlines for the project, which is being partially funded by the US Federal Aviation Administration’s Continuous Lower Energy, Emissions, and Noise (CLEEN) programme.

John Tracy, Boeing’s chief technology officer told reporters recently: “The ecoDemonstrator illustrates how we’re pursuing technologies and advanced materials that make airplanes operate more efficiently and produce fewer emissions and less noise.”

“I am proud of the leadership role that Boeing is playing in advancing the science of aerospace and demonstrating the value of these technologies to our airline customers, the flying public, and to society at large.”

The environmental impact of air travel has been debated for a number of years, with agreements over firm targets proving difficult to reach between emerging and developed countries. Some controversial proposals, such as emissions trading for CO2 have been adopted in places like the EU, but the environmental lobby say this merely allows others to get away with overconsumption and doesn’t address the fundamental problems.

While many campaigners say air travel should be reduced, the industry believes that they can mitigate the damage down by fuel emissions with advances in technology. Attempts by to address this, such as with the trials by Boeing and American Airlines, are certainly a step in the right direction.