Branson turns his back on fuel thirsty planes In a report by Reuters, Virgin’s Richard Branson will attempt to modify his fleet in order to curb fuel costs and reverse the impact the airline has on the environment. Picture: Virgin Boss Richard Branson

Virgin Atlantic currently owns 38 four-engined planes, with another six four-engined Airbus A380 superjumbos on order. However, the carrier announced in April that it would be purchasing 15 twin-engined Boeing 787s. These fuel-efficient carbon-composite jets burn 27 percent less fuel than the Airbus A340s they will replace.

“Global warming has become a priority, but it also makes good economic sense to be eco-friendly,” Branson told Reuters. “We've just announced the 787, which has two engines.”

Aviation emissions contributed 3 percent to global warming in 2005. This number is set to increase by two to five percent in 2050, according to the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Virgin is also working with Boeing and GE Aviation to develop biofuels for aircraft.

“We've said we will fly a jet engine on a 747 using biofuels sometime next year, people say the end of next year,” Branson said. “But I believe we'll be able to bring that forward. We have to make sure it's economically viable to roll out across the Virgin fleet.”

“Hopefully, ten years from now our planes can be carbon neutral,” he added. “It's not just charitable. We've got to come up with a fuel that knocks oil for six.”

Earlier this year, Branson promised to invest all his profits for the next ten years into the development of renewable energy.

“I've got a dirty business with my planes... Let's put some money into doing something about it,” he concluded.

SOURCE | http://www.etravelblackboardasia.com/article.asp?id=48364&nav=109