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A MODERN FLEET SAVES THE ENVIRONMENT
Finnair takes environmental perspectives into account in all its activities. In this way, the company ensures sustainable, profitable growth also from an ecological standpoint. Finnair operates within the fragile, unique nature of the North, which requires a high standard of environmental activity.
In 2005 the international debate on climate change and the role of air transport gained impetus. Due to the global nature of air transport and to ensure common game rules for operating, Finnair considers it important that targets and measures to reduce air transport emissions apply to airlines all over the world.
The average age of the Finnair fleet is only 4.4 years. As a result of its advanced technology and light structures, a modern fleet saves fuel and reduces emissions. Economic flying methods and direct route selection mean that the environment is being taken into account better than ever before.
International guidelines and cooperation
In all its activities Finnair adheres to current environmental legislation and the environmental protection principles of the International Civil Aviation Organisation ICAO. As a member of the International Air Transport Association IATA, the company is also committed to reducing the environmental effects of its operations in an economically reasonable way without jeopardising air safety. In addition to legislation and international commitments, the well-being of the environment requires, even so, that the airline engage in its own active work.
Towards Europe's most eco-efficient fleet
International air traffic is forecast to grow further in the future. In terms of competitiveness and the environment, it is therefore important to operate with a fleet that loads the environment to the minimum possible extent. A modern fleet is the fastest, most effective way to reduce environmental impacts. The artificial taxes and fees proposed in the public debate would impose a burden on airlines and in reality would put a brake on environmentally positive investments.
Finnair has systematically continued its fleet modernisation programme. The company announced in December 2005 that it will replace its present Boeing MD-11 long-haul fleet with Airbus A340 and A350 aircraft by spring 2012. The kerosene consumption of these types of aircraft is nearly 30 per cent lower than on the Boeing MD-11s. At the same time, the emissions from the new aircraft are also lower.
By next summer, Finnair will have one of the most modern fleets in Europe when the Embraer 170 aircraft replace the Boeing MD-80s. Of the Airbus A320 series aircraft used on European trunk routes, most were built during the current decade and their engines also fulfil future emissions criteria. The fleet's economic fuel consumption and low carbon dioxide emissions support Finnair's efforts to meet the emissions targets set for air transport.
Environmental work on and off the ground
In 2006 the greenhouse emissions of Finnair's aircraft will fall further as the fleet is modernised with the 76-seat Embraer 170 and the 100-seat Embraer 190 aircraft. Key figures describing environmental efficiency, such as fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions per passenger kilometre, will improve.
Finnair Technical Services, which carries out aircraft maintenance and repairs, was granted a new environmental permit in December 2005. The Technical Services area is facing a major buildings project as work on an eighth aircraft hangar begins. In the design of the hangar, special attention has been paid to, among other things, energy saving solutions. The ground equipment used by Finnair is also being modernised with the acquisition of low-emission vehicles. |
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