United Airlines Set to become Increasingly Environmentally Friendly

Unkted Airlines are investigating new ways to reduce their fuel consumption

It has been revealed that United Airlines are currently investigating ways to cut their fuel consumption, a measure which will not only save the airline money but provide more environmentally friendly ways for green conscious travellers to fly. Gauging the benefits of fuel saving methods on long haul destinations in particular, the airline carrier piloted a United 777 from Germany to the U.S and back in a bid to test the economics of the strategy.

Reporting that the test flight between Frankfurt and Chicago was due to save approximately 940 gallons of fuel, it is an important step for both the financial viability of the airline industry and continued efforts to move towards a greener way of travelling around the world. Whilst flights have traditionally flown at a measured altitude, burning a considerable amount of fuel in an effort to stay on course, the new flights will move up and down in airspace up to 3,000 feet, drifting with currents and allowing fuel consumption to be kept to a minimum.

Whilst of vital importance for the airline industry who are facing severe cost cutting exercises, it also offers eco conscious travellers another option in flying. Until now those travellers concerned about the environmental impact can either opt out of flying large distances at all or take carbon offsetting schemes when available. However, with United Airlines now set to reduce their fuel consumption, British travellers flying to or from airports such as Bristol, Edinburgh or London Heathrow could opt to travel with the American firm for environmental reasons.

Posted by Barry, 08 June 2010 12:00

News tags

• Chicago
• Edinburgh
• Frankfurt
• London
• United Airlines