Air Europa has participated in the challenge organized by the SkyTeam airline alliance, for the third consecutive year, to help accelerate sustainable innovation in the aviation industry.
For the 2024 edition, renamed “The Aviation Challenge,” the airline has optimized all aspects of a long-haul flight from Madrid-Barajas airport to Las Americas International Airport (AILA) in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
The aim of the initiative is to demonstrate the feasibility of implementing improvements aimed at making operations more efficient and helping to promote a more sustainable industry in every sense.
On this occasion, Air Europa has connected both sides of the Atlantic with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the most modern and efficient long-haul model on the market. To reduce emissions as much as possible, it operated with 2% sustainable SAF fuel in its tanks, something it is already doing on some of its routes, even before the date on which the European Union will make the use of this type of fuel mandatory.
In addition, the most efficient route was chosen, artificial intelligence was used to distribute the catering load and lighter containers were used in the holds to reduce consumption by reducing the weight of the aircraft.
The flight had an occupancy rate of close to 100%, making full use of its storage capacity, thus reducing emissions per passenger. Both inside and outside the aircraft, measures were implemented to make operations more balanced.
A catering service was set up with new menu containers, and plastic wrapping for blankets and pillows was eliminated.
The airline informed passengers on the flight to take measures to minimize environmental impact, starting with online check-in to reduce paper waste. Also, the location of the signature office is strategic, allowing the crew to access the aircraft on foot.
For ground operations, several electric vehicles from Groundforce, Globalia’s handling company, were deployed. In addition to the technical aspects, Air Europa focused on the social aspects. Parity criteria were applied in the selection of employees assigned to the flight.
In the 2024 edition, The Aviation Challenge expands its vision and scope to help drive change throughout the aviation industry. Following more than 70 flights operated in 2023 and more than 400 ideas proposed over time, this time the organization is looking to put those solutions into practice to demonstrate their impact and feasibility.
The trip was also used to transport to Boca Chica, in Santo Domingo, a shipment of clothes and school supplies for the more than 90 children between 3 and 6 years of age at risk of exclusion cared for by Fundación La Matica, with which the company has been collaborating for years.
The airline’s own employees were responsible for providing the products and collecting them. In addition, an agreement has been signed with La Matica with a financial contribution.
Source:Arecoa.com
