Flybe flying high with second environmental award this year
Flybe, Europe’s largest and most successful regional airline, has received the prestigious 2008 Brussels Airport Environmental Award during the annual awards ceremony held last night. The carrier beat the likes of well-known global giants such as BA, Air Canada, American, Lufthansa and Etihad as well as many of its competitors in the regional, low cost market including bmi, EasyJet and Brussels Airlines.It is Flybe’s second environmental award this year following the ‘Special Merit for Commitment to the Environment’ Award received at the influential Budgie Awards 2008 last month.
Flybe has invested $3bn into its new fleet of aircraft which, by the end of 2009, will be one of the youngest and most fuel efficient in the world. As well as the Bombardier Q400, the two-type fleet also includes the Embraer 195, one of the newest aircraft available on the market, perfectly suited to operate in a short-haul regional environment. The aircraft sets beneficial new standards for operating costs, fuel efficiency, environmental performance and comfortable 2x2 seat configuration.
Mike Rutter, Chief Commercial Officer for Flybe, comments: “We’re honoured to receive this award from Brussels Airport that recognises Flybe’s environmental credentials. Our $3bn investment into a dual type, state-of-the-art environmentally sensitive fleet and the launch of the world’s first and only ecolabel for the aviation industry, have both contributed to Flybe taking an industry lead and making a significant contribution in this area.”
“Flybe urges other airlines to adopt a responsible attitude to climate change and accept that human activity, including aviation, is having an impact on the environment. By investing time and money into initiatives like new and more efficient fleets, as well as eco-labelling, the aviation industry can do more. We are again throwing down the gauntlet and hope that the global recognition we’ve just received will finally succeed in spurring others into action.”