Flybe launches world’s first aircraft eco-labelling

Flybe, Europe’s largest regional airline, and which has invested over $2 billion in new, environmentally sensitive aircraft over the last two years, has become the first airline in the world to introduce an aircraft eco-labelling scheme. The scheme is in response to the Stern Report’s call for ‘labelling’ to help consumers and businesses make sound decisions.

Under the scheme, which was subject to an assurance process by international consultancy firm Deloitte, Flybe passengers will be provided at the time of booking via the internet with a detailed but user-friendly breakdown of the fuel consumption, carbon emissions and noise patterns of the aircraft type to be used on their journey.

Each aircraft’s eco-label is broken down into three component parts:

• Local Environment which assesses the aircraft’s noise rating on an A (low) to F (high) rating; and the levels of CO2 and NOX emissions on a Landing and Take-off Cycle basis.

• Journey Environment which grades fuel consumption and CO2 emissions (kg/seat) on a range of typical European sector basis (500, 1000 and 1500 KM) and also on an A (low) to F (high) grading.

• Passenger Environment which contains information on minimum leg-room and the number of seats.

The eco-labelling scheme allows passengers, on the basis of fully transparent disclosure, to assess the environmental impact of their journey. Passengers will then be in a position to decide, on an informed basis, whether they want to carbon-offset that journey.

Flybe: environmentally sensitive flying

Flybe has invested more than $2 billion in new state-of-the-art environmentally sensitive aircraft; the Bombardier Q400 and the Embraer 195. Flybe is well advanced in its programme to phase out all other aircraft types including those acquired at the time of the acquisition of BA Connect in March 2007. The programme will be completed by 2009 at the latest and Flybe will then have one of the most environmentally sensitive fleets in the world.

Each aircraft’s eco-label underpins Flybe’s decision to make such a significant investment in new, environmentally sensitive aircraft.

The Bombardier Q400, a 78-seat, twin-turboprop aircraft is the outstanding performer in environmental terms. At just 10.5kg CO2 emissions per seat, the aircraft’s Landing & Take-off Cycle (“LTO”) cycle is A-rated whilst on a sector basis the aircraft records an impressive triple-B score. With an A rating for its noise footprint as well, the Bombardier Q400, of which Flybe will be the world’s largest operator with a planned 60 aircraft in service by late 2009, is an environmental leader in regional aviation.

The eco-label ratings for the Q400 also endorses Flybe’s strategy of investing in “right-size” aircraft for the routes the airline serves. Flybe decided to invest in the Q400 and become one of the world’s biggest operator of turboprop aircraft and did so at a time when the rest of the industry were moving to small jets. The ecolabel data proves that Flybe was right, both economically and environmentally, to invest in these aircraft. These aircraft ensure that Flybe has the right aircraft capacity for the regional markets in which they operate, ensuring customers have the lowest possible price, while avoiding the unnecessary high capacity and the negative effects on the environment that it brings.

The Embraer 195, a 118-seat, twin-jet engine aircraft which Flybe uses for its short-haul EU market and dense domestic trunk routes, scores an impressive B rating for CO2 emissions on its LTO with 17.5 kg/seat recorded. For CO2 emissions on a short-haul sector, the Embraer 195 also scored highly with a B, reflecting the aircraft’s low fuel consumption. The aircraft also scored highly on its noise footprint, also with a B.

Verifiable low-cost carbon offset programmes

To assist passengers in carbon-offsetting, Flybe also announces that it has appointed PURE the Clean Planet Trust (“PURE”) to operate verifiable carbon-offset schemes on behalf of Flybe’s passengers Flybe will be the first major UK low-cost airline to offer such a service.

PURE's scheme for Flybe to help combat climate change has two components:

• All flights will be offset by the purchase and cancellation of Kyoto carbon credits in accordance with the proposed UK Government Code of Best Practice for carbon offsetting.

• In addition, PURE will make direct contributions to a range of small-scale carbon reducing projects, for instance the installation of renewable energy in schools

Flybe selected PURE as its approved partner on the basis of a number of criteria including the quality of its projects and low administrative costs, which at 11.75% of donation gross value, are significantly less than comparable organisations, and also the benefit of Gift Aid for UK taxpayers.

Flybe passengers can elect at any time to make a contribution via Flybe to PURE, who will in turn provide a quarterly and independently verified annual report to Flybe highlighting how much money has been donated and how it has been allocated. These reports will be posted on Flybe’s website.

Commenting on the launch of the eco-labelling scheme, Jim French, Flybe Chief Executive and Chairman said:

“Flybe acknowledge that human activity, including air travel, is contributing to global climate change. Flybe acknowledges and takes seriously its responsibility to reduce the carbon emissions produced by our aircraft and this we are seeking to do, through the purchase of the most environmentally sensitive aircraft, deployment of the right size aircraft on the right routes, and through constant improvements in our operational processes

“With today’s launch of the ecolabel, we take up the challenge to make Flybe as environmentally sensitive as possible and to help bring pressure across the industry to reduce emissions by improving standards.

“Our ecolabel initiative is designed to help consumers identify which type of aircraft or which type of route is the most sensitive choice to the environment. We believe that through the provision of information to consumers they will exercise choice i.e. we need to make this journey and I know my choice has the least impact on my neighbourhood and the environment.

“Through this we hope the market will encourage airlines to invest in new aircraft which are designed for the 21st century and find the balance between both the economic needs of the business with the environmental needs of society."