Emirates launches new green initiatives

Emirates has unveiled a new series of initiatives designed to improve the environmental performance of its worldwide operations.

The airline announced the new programme on the eve of taking delivery of its first Airbus A380, which is reportedly more eco-efficient than other planes in operation.

Among the initiatives is a new environmental policy for the Emirates group, a global staff awareness campaign and the introduction of targets to reduce energy consumption and waste.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of the airline, said: "Emirates is committed to acting responsibly and sustainably in the interests of our customers, our business, the environment and the 100-plus destinations we serve worldwide."

Emirates is investing in a number of environment and conservation projects around the world, including the 4,000-acre Wolgan Valley resort in the Blue Mountains in Australia.

The project involves the restoration of large areas of farming land back to its natural state and the reintroduction of endangered flora and fauna.

As part of the promotion for its impending launch of A380 services, Emirates recently installed a replica of the superjumbo at the approach to Heathrow Airport which, weighing in at 45 tonnes, is the world's largest aircraft model.

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