easyJet has announced that it has become the first European airline to partner with U.S.-based start up Jet Zero, which is developing an ultra-efficient blended-wing aircraft.
At a Net Zero technology showcase at Cranfield University marking the second anniversary of easyJet’s Net Zero Roadmap, the airline revealed the partnership as the latest initiative in its work towards zero-carbon emission flying.
The U.S. Air Force, NASA and FAA-backed start up is working on the first blended-wing aircraft which is due to enter service by 2030, with future models of the aircraft capable of supporting hydrogen combustion engine technology such as those easyJet is also developing alongside Rolls-Royce.
The aircraft is expected to provide up to 50% lower fuel burn and GHG emissions versus traditional tube-and-wing designs and has the potential to be powered by hydrogen.
The announcement comes as new research by the airline revealed that three quarters (71 per cent) of Brits believe that zero emission technology such as hydrogen is the best option to decarbonise aviation.
Six in 10 Brits say they want to travel more sustainably, with the majority looking to technological advancements to lower their impact while retaining the benefits air travel provides them.
The majority (71 per cent) believed zero-carbon emission technologies such as hydrogen-powered aircraft will be the best option to decarbonise aviation and, as well as being optimistic about the lower impact of future aircraft technology, almost half of respondents (46 per cent) added they were excited by the prospect of flying zero-carbon emission aircraft, such as those powered by hydrogen.
Highlighting just how important this issue is to the public, over half (53 per cent) said they want the new government to prioritise the acceleration of zero-carbon emission flying and offer more support for industry to make the transition.
Two-thirds (64 per cent) of respondents also said they’re more likely to fly with an airline actively reducing its impact in the future, indicating what industry laggards may risk through inaction.
easyJet launched it’s Net Zero Roadmap in 2022, with a plan that will see the airline reach net-zero through a series of elements, with the ultimate ambition to be flying on zero carbon emission hydrogen-powered aircraft. easyJet is already working with partners across the industry, including Airbus and Rolls-Royce on several dedicated projects to accelerate the development of zero carbon emission aircraft technology, with Jet Zero now joining this impressive roster of industry leaders working to advance this goal.
In addition to zero-carbon emission technology, other measures of easyJet’s Net Zero Roadmap include fleet renewal, operational efficiencies, airspace modernisation, Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), and carbon removal solutions. The airline continues to make progress in all areas and is on track to deliver its promised 35 per cent carbon emissions intensity reduction by 2035, which is validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).
Johan Lundgren, Chief Executive Officer at easyJet, said: “Our research shows unequivocally that British travellers are banking on technological developments to preserve their ability to fly and see the world. The level of innovation we’re seeing is encouraging but we need support from the government and regulators to ensure policy and infrastructure keeps at pace with technological progress so that If we do this the social and economic benefits of flying can be retained for future generations.”
Reducing their impact today
While 60 per cent of respondents said they do not plan to fly less, the study revealed they are consciously making choices like flying to closer European-based destinations rather than the far off long-haul destinations they have travelled to in the past (48 per cent).
Many have also been more conscious about how they reduce their impact once they reach their destination. 50 per cent said they actively recycle their plastic waste on holiday, 39 per cent choose to walk or cycle when travelling in local areas, 36 per cent use their phones to avoid printing of flight and hotel booking itineraries, and 25 per cent try to conserve water by showering less.
Top 10 ways British holidaymakers try to limit their impact on the environment when abroad:
- Recycling food waste and plastic according to local guidelines
- Choosing to walk and/or cycle when travelling around local areas
- Eating and drinking local produce
- Using phones instead of printing off flight and hotel bookings and itineraries
- Limiting energy use
- Taking a holiday in Europe to reduce emissions compared to long-haul flying
- Avoiding damaging recreational activities
- Conserving water by showering less
- Travelling lighter to reduce the weight/ emissions impact of baggage on the aircraft
- Buying souvenirs that are locally made or sourced
The article easyJet launches new partnership with blended-wing aircraft manufacturer Jet Zero first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.
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