User:Snowboarder888/Virgin Atlantic

Climate Change

As a result of it environmental effect and role in climate change, like many other airlines Virgin Atlantic has come under more scrutiny. The corporation herby has chosen to invest in fuel efficient aircraft and is looking into cleaner alternatives as it attempts to lessen its carbon footprint. Three major environmental factors the airline has chosen to focus on can be seen bellow;

• Investing In Fuel-Efficient Aircraft: Virgin Atlantic has been making investments into more modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which emits 30% less carbon than the aircraft it is replacing. Virgin Atlantic started switching over to the more modern, fuel efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliner in 2014 in place of its older Boeing 747 - 400 aircraft. Compared to future aircraft the 747 - 400 Dreamliner consumes 20% less fuel, which significantly lowers its carbon emissions. Virgin Atlantic chose to invest in the Airbus A350 - 1000, and it recently received its first one. This aircraft is also known for its fuel efficiency. The A350-1000 has modern aerodynamics, engines, and lightweight materials let the A350 - 1000 fly more efficiently and decrease weight. The A350-1000 is anticipated to emit up to 30% less CO2 sized aircraft. Virgin Atlantic has also made investments into cutting edge winglets it Boeing 747 - 400 aircraft, which aid to lower drag and increase fuel efficiency.
• Using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): SAF has been utilized by Virgin Atlantic since 2011 in its fleet of aircraft. With the potential to cut carbon emissions by up to 80%, SAF is a better jet fuel substitute than conventional jet fuel. Virgin Atlantic launched the use of SAF for a passenger flight in 2011 and was the first commercial airline to do so. 20% SAF and 80% conventional jet fuel were utilized on the round-trip flight, which was carried out by a Boeing 747-400. It connected London Heathrow and Amsterdam Schiphol a 1hr 15m plane ride. Henceforth virgin atlantic decided that flights from Shanghai to London will be powered by SAF Generated from wast gases from the Chinese steal industry, the airline reveled in October 2018. Employing The use of SAF will can cut an aircrafts carbon emissions by up to 80% depending on the kind and quantity of SAF utilized.
• Carbon Offsetting: By funding initiatives to conserve forests and use renewable energy, virgin atlantic has started a program to offset the carbon emissions from its flights. Virgin Atlantic utilizes carbon calculator that considers the route, the kind of aircraft, and the number of passengers to determine the amount of carbon emissions to be offset for each journey. The calculator makes an estimate of the flight's carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and the cost of mitigating those emissions based on this data. Virgin Atlantic has decided to invest in a variety of projects that reduce carbon emissions, including forestry programs, renewable energy projects, and energy efficiency programs. The initiatives have earned certification under well-known standards system as the Gold Standard and the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS).