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Going ‘green’
Source: Manila Bulletin
Author: Jaser A. Marasigan
Date: 2007-07-05
 
GUAM, USA — They are calling themselves the "green giant."


Committed to promoting environmental responsibility, Continental Airlines recognizes that global climate change is an important issue. "Greenhouse gas emissions are everyone’s concern," said Walter B. Dias, staff vice president for Sales and Marketing. "We recognize the importance of directly addressing this issue, even though we do not have all the answers."

While airlines are responsible for just two to three percent of greenhouse gas emissions, rapid industry growth spurred by low-cost airlines worldwide and Asia’s emergence as the largest travel market has made it a target.

Dias explains that the two primary means by which aviation contributes to global emissions are through aircraft operations and airport ground equipment, and Continental is committed to reducing emissions from these sources. "In order to minimize the impact on the environment from our fleet and ground service equipment, Continental will continue to invest in efficient and advanced aircraft technology."

"In addition, we will construct airport facilities in an environmentally responsible manner and will continue to monitor the environmental impact of our business," he said.

Today, Continental is nearly 35 percent more fuel efficient for every mile a passenger flies than in 1997. FORTUNE magazine named Continental as one of this year’s top 10 global companies across all industries in the Community/Environment category on its list of Global Most Admired Companies.


BOEING 787 DREAMLINER

Working together with its valued business partners at Boeing, Continental has been acquiring modern, fuel-efficient aircraft over the past decade, giving the airline a natural fuel hedge and an advantage over its competitors.

Continental Airlines is the first to order the revolutionary Boeing 787 Dreamliner, touted as the most environment-friendly aircraft or the first "green" commercial aircraft. The Dreamliner will be formally launched on July 8.

Recently, Continental has ordered 10 additional Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, bringing its order of 787s to a total of 20, making it the largest US customer for Boeing’s newest widebody aircraft. In addition, the company will acquire 24 more Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft, bringing the total number of Boeing 737NGs in its fleet to 213. The airline now has a total of 636 aircraft.

With expanded range capabilities, unmatched fuel efficiency and superior operating economics, the 787s will allow the company to replace less efficient widebody aircraft and target additional long-haul markets. "The 787s will also give Continental the ability to offer more capacity on international routes that need larger aircraft to support traffic growth," said Dias.

The first of the 20 Boeing 787 aircraft is scheduled for delivery in 2009, and the first additional 737NG will be scheduled for delivery in 2008.

The B-787 Dreamliner (formerly the B-7E7) is swift and 20 percent more fuel efficient than its predecessors, pumping out fewer greenhouse gases. It is smaller and can access regional airports without fuss. It also has a range that can extend to 16,000 kms. carrying about 280 passengers. The good news for passengers is that, the B-787 is pressurized for a lower altitude and with higher cabin humidity.

The Dreamliner’s cabin will offer a visually relaxing "sweeping archways" design, window shades whose opacity can be altered at the flick of a button and a sky simulation effect through the use of color changing light-emitting diodes in the aircraft ceiling. Aisles will be wider as well as the seats.

The Dreamliner’s revolutionary construction, using high-technology plastic rather than aluminum in 50 percent of its body and wings has helped Boeing keep the weight down which allows it to be 20 percent more fuel efficient than its rivals. Business travelers will also appreciate the Dreamliner’s integrated networking capabilities.

In addition to the 787, Boeing plans to build a 787-3 and 787-9, which will be available by 2010, and another stretch version, the 787-10, which will seat more than 300 passengers. The earliest availability of 787-10 is in 2013.
 

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