To keep its commitment toward lowering its carbon footprint, the California-based airline travel leader Virgin America has made some major green investments worth $1.4 billion.
In a press release, this growing airline announced that it has selected CFM International's advanced LEAP engine to power 30 new Airbus A320neo aircraft. In addition, the airline has selected the CFM56-5B engine to power 30 of its current technology A320s. Virgin America happens to be the first company to place commercial order for the new eco-efficient Airbus A320neo. The delivery of the consignment is scheduled to begin in 2016.
Virgin America also launched a "Flyers, Start Your Engines" fare sale to celebrate its move to LEAP technology. CFM International and parent companies GE and Snecma (Safran Group) planned to purchase carbon offsets for the first 5,000 flights booked on 15th June at www.virginamerica.com to further mark the milestone order.
Virgin airline affiliates with the Virgin Group, which has committed to reinvesting all profits from Virgin-transport related businesses to renewable fuels research and other initiatives that combat climate change. In January, the airline announced it would nearly triple its fleet size with an order for 60 new Airbus A320 Family aircraft including the new eco-efficient Airbus A320neo
According to the carrier, its current A320 Family fleet is powered by the CFM56 engine and is up to 25 percent more fuel efficient than other domestic fleets and one of the most carbon-efficient in the U.S. on an RPM basis. The A320neo and the LEAP engine together are believed to deliver one of the world's most fuel-efficient commercial aircraft. The aircraft are expected to offer more than 15 percent improved fuel efficiency. They are also expected to improve carbon efficiency and offer double digit reductions in NOx emissions. According to the estimates of Virgin America, the move will facilitate a fuel cost savings worth of $1.9 million per aircraft per year for the carrier.
“Choosing LEAP gives us the best of all worlds – the most advanced technology, significant fuel savings, consistency with our current fleet and the reliability of CFM. Our airline is known for taking a different approach to amenities, design and service in order to make travel better. But we're just as committed to finding new ways to make travel more sustainable, even as we grow. The A320neo and the LEAP™ engine together will create one of the world's most fuel-efficient commercial aircraft. Our investment today will ultimately help us take a major leap forward in terms of efficiency,” Virgin America President and CEO David Cush noted in a statement.
Earlier this week, TMCnet reported that Airlines in the Virgin Group are collaborating to attempt to develop and share aviation biofuels at their common port of Los Angeles International airport.
Madhubanti Rudra is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.Edited by
Rich Steeves
