World’s Longest “Green” Flight to Take Place December 15th

December 15, 2008

On December 15th, an Emirates Airlines plane will make the “world’s longest green flight.”

emirates.jpgA Boeing 777-200 will be taking off from Dubai and flying to San Francisco for a 16-hour non-stop flight, as part of Emirates new effort to provide more eco-friendly service.

The flight will use several techniques to help conserve fuel and reduce the amount of energy needed to make the trip.

Before taking off from Dubai, the plane will use electrical power instead of an auxiliary power unit while on the ground.

The aircraft will receive a special pre-flight washing to help minimize drag and receive priority clearance from clearance from Dubai Air Traffic Control, allowing it to reach cruising altitude with maximum efficiency.

When the plane lands in San Francisco, it will have used a continuous descent approach to burn less fuel, and will use as little thrust as possible when landing, taxiing with a single engine on the way to the gate.

It is hoped that following these steps will save about 2,000 gallons of fuel and 30,000lb of carbon emissions. Additionally, all glass, paper and aluminum products used on board will be recycled.

The flight will be the world’s first cross-polar green flight, creating what Emirates says is a “critical connection” between Dubai and San Francisco.
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