Qantas launches onboard recycling scheme

Qantas is giving its passengers the opportunity to reduce the environmental impact of their journeys through an inflight recycling scheme.

The initiative builds on the airline's existing recycling programmes and will contribute to its goal of achieving a 25 per cent reduction in landfill use by 2011.

Qantas is currently trialling the scheme on its domestic services.

Alan Joyce, chief executive of the airline, said it is "committed" to processes and policies that will protect the environment for future generations.

He added: "Under the new initiative we plan to recycle approximately eight-and-a-half million bottles, cups, tumblers and cans per year from domestic services.

"The inflight recycling program also complements established recycling programmes in selected Qantas Clubs in Australia for paper, cardboard and glass."

Qantas operates flights to several destinations throughout Australia, including Brisbane, Darwin, Perth and Sydney.

The airline recently introduced Required Navigational Performance technology on its services from Melbourne to optimise its flight operations and improve environmental efficiency.

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