Is the future of travel in Canada sustainable?

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Some airlines are trying to be better.

There are lots of changes in travel these days. So many increased safety and health procedures for the process of getting from one point to another, that many may have forgotten the impact travel has on our planet. As we address the safety of travellers and the health implications of being in an airplane during a pandemic let's not lose focus on the important steps some airlines are taking to be better, like Air Transat. On July 17 and July 18, 2020 Air Transat flew 2 flights powered with a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) marking an important move by the airline. Plus, another excellent sustainable decision by Air Transat, new Airbus' A321LR purchased by Air Transat. This purchase by the airline makes 6 A321neoLRs that Air Transat is adding to their fleet. This is important as these planes, compared to the previous generation use 15 percent less fuel.

“It is an honour for us and a sign of confidence from Airbus to be, together with AerCap, its first customer to take advantage of this new delivery option at its Hamburg plant,” said Jean-François Lemay, President and General Manager, Air Transat. “This initiative is part of our commitment to reducing our own carbon footprint while contributing to the achievement of the airline industry’s ambitious decarbonization targets.” (Source: PaxNews.com)

This fuel (SAF) is a step forward toward making less of an impact on our planet. One of many important steps that all airlines must make to move us forward in a sustainable way. Travellers who want to make a difference in local communities when they travel, also want to know that they are not causing harm to make change happen. 

Philip Scruggs, president and CCO of AerCap, stated: “We are very pleased to be a part of this historic milestone, working together with our partners at Airbus and with our long-time customer, Air Transat, to help them meet their sustainable growth ambitions. The A321neoLR will allow Air Transat to generate significant fuel savings while reducing the environmental impact of its operations.” (Source: PaxNews.com)

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More sustainability on the horizon?

Adding to this initiative, Air Transat also made a large purchase agreement with SAF + Consortium of Montreal who produce synthetic aircraft fuel which is estimated to have a significant lower carbon footprint at almost 80%  lower than conventional fuel used by jets.

“We are committed to offering our clients with a low carbon footprint travelling experience, while achieving our environmental obligations,” said Jean-François Lemay, President of Air Transat. (Source: PaxNews.com)

As travellers, we can make choices to lower our impact too when we support airlines that make good choices that benefit everyone, companies like Air Transat.

For more on these sustainable way forward for Canadian air travel check out PaxNews.com