Green

As speculation pushes the price per barrel for oil ever skyward, consumers are feeling the pinch not just when they fill up their cars but also as they take wing.  Recent moves by airlines to increase baggage charges to offset rising fuel costs have earned the ire of the flying public.  But the aviation industry has been working for years on innovative technologies to conserve fuel, operate in a more environmentally friendly manner, and salvage an ever decreasing profit margin.  From airplane manufacturers to pilots, airline policy makers to passengers, power plant to airframe engineers, all members of the aviation community are taking action to make flying more green.

Airline policies and pilot practices have become crucial in managing fuel burn from taxi to takeoff and beyond.  Considering that a single MD-80 aircraft engine taxiing on the ground burns as much fuel as 90 SUVs traveling at 60 miles per hour, managing every minute of engine time is crucial.  According to a pilot for a regional commuter airline who wished to remain anonymous, “We use a single engine taxi procedure when ever possible. This limits fuel burn considerably while taxiing, almost cutting it in half.  In cruise, we used to typically fly at mach 0.78 or faster. We now limit the speed on occasion. If it is going to save fuel to fight a strong head wind at a slow speed or save fuel by flying fast with a strong tail wind.”  American Airlines innovative paint job, (or lack thereof), saves on aircraft weight and allows for polishing of the aircraft to cut down on drag.  Removing inflight magazines, switching to lighter catering carts, and servicing lavatories on short hops are just a few of the solutions that airlines are implementing to better manage fuel burn.   

Changes made by aircraft manufacturers are also making a difference.  Existing fleet aircraft can be outfitted with winglets or exhaust cones to decrease drag and increase fuel efficiency.  Boeing winglets have proven to save 7% in fuel costs.  MD-80 airframes are being refitted with exhaust cones which American Airlines estimates will save 1.7 million gallons of fuel per year.  New airframe designs offer a long term solution for the future.  Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner will be consist of a composite body structure instead of traditional metals.  Boeing estimates their composite structure will burn 20% less fuel per passenger.

Aircraft engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney is leading the way in fuel efficient technologies for aircraft engines.  Alan Epstein, Vice President, Technology and Environment for Pratt & Whitney spoke exclusively with Talkibie about three specific projects.  First is an engine cleaning service called EcoPower.  The EcoPower system uses ionized water to flush out an aircraft’s engine and has a reclamation system that captures the exiting water for cleaning and re-use.  “No contaminants are released into the ground.  It’s totally self contained,” explains Epstein.  By cleaning an engine twice a year, overhaul times are extended, and fuel efficiency is increased.  “The EcoPower service is a great win for everyone.  It works on all engines, not just Pratt & Whitney…we’re a very magnanimous company,” Epstein jokes. 

A second project which partners Boeing, Japan Airlines (JAL) and Pratt & Whitney involves testing biofuel performance for commercial airline use.  The test will power one Pratt & Whitney JT9D engine of the JAL-owned Boeing-747 airframe.  Scheduled for March of 2009, the test will monitor the performance of a 50/50 mix of jet fuel and biofuel over a period of a few hours.  Upon landing, the engine will be removed for a complete overhaul to analyze the effects of the fuel on its components.  When queried as to the distant timeline, Epstein confided that Boeing is working to find a large enough supplier of biofuel to make the test a reality for next year.  Mind you, this is not biodiesel but a completely alternative fuel source which can sustain or perform better than current fuel sources.  “Don’t laugh, there are some biofuel sources out there which have the potential of performing better than existing fuel sources. And we’re talking about second generation biofuels, like jatropha, that don’t compete with food sources.” 

Finally, Epstein proudly announced the latest innovation in engine technology:  the Geared Turbofan™.  The Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbofan™ will be field tested on Mitsubishi and Bombardier airframes capable of carrying 70 to 100 passengers.  Utilizing ultra high bypass technology, the Geared Turbofan™ engine reduces fuel burn by 20%.  This roughly equates to $2 million in fuel savings per year for a 737 type airframe.  The Geared Turbofan™ also reduces nitrous oxide emissions by 60% and is so quiet, only one quarter of the people who normally complain about aircraft noise were able to tell the difference between when the engine was powered on versus when it was powered down in landing configuration.  “We here at Pratt & Whitney aren’t just looking to create solutions which accommodate the environment, but rather aggressively investing in technologies which will enhance the environment,” declared Epstein.  “Since 1927, we’ve been creating ‘Dependable Engines’.  Moving forward we want to make Green engines.”

While power plant, biofuel, and airframe solutions may be a few years away, there are some things passengers can do immediately to help airlines and the environment in the long run. 

• Pack efficiently and avoid unnecessary items
• Help your flight leave on time by quickly boarding, stowing luggage, and taking your seat
• Buy carbon credits to offset the carbon footprint of your travel 
• Invest in companies researching alternative fuel development
• Push for legislation which mandates policies that support your goals 
• Recognize that propeller or turbo-fan aircraft are not your enemy and seek out fuel efficient airframes when booking your next vacation

It takes a conscious effort to make something happen.  By supporting research, investing in like-minded companies, and patronizing companies who use products that are good for the environment, the flying public can help to steer aviation towards a more efficient tomorrow.  Proactively working together towards a solution, the aviation community is doing their best to weather the impending fuel crisis storm.  Even better are the long term goals which will help everyone circumnavigate fuel concerns altogether via eco-friendly alternatives of the future.

By Alicen Hogan