Proposes Weight, Engine Use Reductions

Sir Richard Branson has a new cause. Last week, he pledged to donate all profits from his rail and airline companies to combat global warming. He says he'll use profits to develop new, cleaner energy sources. On Wednesday... Branson proposed a plan he says would cut aircraft emissions by up to 25-percent.

Reuters reports the plan -- which Branson is asking all airlines to consider -- suggests simple measures, like getting rid of trash between legs, to reduce aircraft weight. He's also asking manufacturers to look for ways to further reduce weight in their manufacturing processes.

Specific details in the proposal include changing the way aircraft are moved on the ground at major airports. For example, Branson suggests using tugs to position aircraft closer to the runway before starting their engines. By utilizing these "starter grids," Branson says carbon emissions for Virgin Atlantic would be reduced by more than 50-percent at London's Heathrow Airport, and a whopping 90-percent at JFK.

"Airlines, airports, air traffic controllers and governments should seize these initiatives and ensure they're all implemented within two years," Branson said.

Also part of the proposal -- but not specified in the report -- are changes in the way air traffic control handles arrivals and departures at busy airports. Branson claims he also has a more efficient model involving the way airliners descend.

As Aero-News reported in July, the European Commission has proposed including airlines in its emissions trading policy -- where industries trade rights to emit carbon dioxide, the main gas blamed for global warming.

As of yet, there is no word on how Branson's new initiatives might impact schedules, or safety... but as a reliable supply of oil remains a major concern for airlines, Branson may find a receptive audience for his environmental suggestions on that premise alone.

Stay tuned.

FMI: www.virgin-atlantic.com