The Flight Saw a 64% Reduction in CO₂e When Compared to a Standard Journey From London

The use of renewable or carbon recycling waste products, as used in the 100% SAF blend of Flight100, delivered a reduction in end-to-end carbon emissions when compared to fossil fuels. 

The Flight100 team conducted a comparative CO2e end-to-end Lifecycle Assessment (LCA), using 49 Boeing 787-9s flights between London Heathrow and New York JFK as a baseline to understand the typical carbon emission profile in tonnes. This included the emissions caused by passenger journeys to the airport, cargo activities, and fuel burn.

This baseline CO2e profile came in at 154 tonnes – of which 96% relate to Jet A-1 use. Comparatively, the use of Flight100 SAF reduced CO2e by 95 tonnes – a 64% reduction from the baseline. This includes not just the use of SAF but also the operational efficiencies that were implemented on the day such as replacing single-use plastic wraps on blankets in Premium and Economy cabins with a paper band.

However, a detailed LCA of the environmental impact of the trialled in-flight efficiencies, namely the trade-off between using renewable materials and the waste caused by them, uncovered a surprising result. The paper blanket wraps had a higher carbon footprint than the products they replaced. Plus, replacing plastic cups with a reusable alternative would contribute an additional 345 tonnes of CO2e per year due to extra weight causing a 5.5x increase in fuel burn.

SAF Produced 40% Fewer Particulates Compared to Jet A-1 Fuel

Led by Imperial College London and Sheffield University, an analysis of particulate emissions was carried out to see what non-CO2 impacts were caused as a result of SAF use.

Through lab testing 100% SAF through a “proxy engine” to simulate real-life fuel combustion, scientists were able to measure the emission of particulates such as sulphur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx).

Using Jet A-1 and 100% HEFA fuels as a comparison with the Flight100 SAF blend, the tests suggested a reduction in both the number and size of particulate emissions. Indeed, HEFA showed a 70% reduction in the number of particulates when compared to Jet A-1 and the Flight100 blend a 40% reduction. 

In addition to these findings, Flight100 SAF showed a 1% calorific value increase in energy measurement tests when compared to Jet A-1. What this points to is: a) potentially less fuel would be needed to power flights and; b) a reduction in CO2e emissions beyond fuel savings due to improved energy output. 

A 1% margin might sound small, but it represents a saving of approximately 1 million tonnes of CO2e in the context of the worldwide SAF target of 10% by 2030. In the case of the Flight100 route from London to New York, this 1% equated to around 0.35 less tonnes of fuel used.

In Conclusion

The evaluation of Flight100 demonstrated that using 100% SAF instead of traditional fossil fuels can be viable in the future. However, this viability comes with a few caveats: SAF alternatives need to be readily available to use and affordable for airlines.

In this sense, Flight100 showed that the key challenges surrounding the adoption of SAF are not operational – the 40% reduction in particulates and 64% reduction in CO2e production when compared to Jet A-1 fuel is a convincing argument for this claim.

In the meantime, Virgin Atlantic has committed to a 15% net reduction in CO2e emissions by 2030, a pledge which also includes operating 10% of their fleeton SAF.

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“From a glance, you may think that booking travel is only about ensuring you have booked your flight, hotel or rail ticket.

“However, have you considered all the other great and useful ancillary travel items available when using the Gray Dawes Yourtrip Booking Tool or via our offline dedicated teams?

 “Of course, your trip may only consist of one or two of the essential travel options such as car parking or airport transfers, but to support your travel journey further and to save you additional searching and external effort you may want to consider booking some of the additional ancillary items available to you at the time of booking.”

“Through our unique and comprehensive booking tool YourTrip, you can book a complete trip from “door to door” making your travel experience fully encompassing and negating the need to book separate items independently. Equally in doing so, you can benefit from Gray Dawes managing the payment of these ancillary items for you and including them within your agreed invoicing process.”

BOOKING ANCILLARIES WITH YOURTRIP

CAR PARKING

If you need to leave your car for a prolonged period then let YourTrip find you the best option for parking. Simply enter the location that you’re flying from and let YourTrip find the spot that works best for you.

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As an early adopter of NDC, Gray Dawes is the largest adopter of British Airways NDC content and the second largest adopter of Lufthansa NDC content. We’re also making great strides with Air France KLM as more and more airlines adopt this modern retailing platform.

With no restrictions to a single GDS, we deliver content from recognised travel retailers, such as Expedia Group, Premier Inn and Booking.com, alongside direct connections to airlines, hotels and global rail suppliers And it’s all beautifully presented in our single booking tool YourTrip, no matter where in the world you are.

It’s what we call ‘𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓’. Empowering our clients with the freedom of choice, giving them everything they need to book better, spend less and travel smarter.

And we never hear “I can find it cheaper myself on the internet.”

Do you?

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#1

Augmented Reality (AR) Aircraft Repair

The recent launch of Apple’s Apple Vision Pro glasses demonstrated the powerful potential of wearable augmented reality (AR) tech. Via heads-up displays and AI-powered queries, users of AR can seamlessly occupy the real and digital realms to reap the benefits of both. Though the technology is still in its infancy, its future as an aircraft maintenance tool is clear for all to see: a fully responsive piece of wearable kit that will help engineers diagnose problems and conduct repairs.

The potential integration of AI object recognition software could take things one step further. Engineers could pinpoint issues in real-time through their AR glasses and be informed of the exact part or tool needed to make a repair. This speeds up the maintenance process, meaning airlines can turn around planes much faster, thus improving flight schedule targets and reducing passenger delays. It also means fewer plane ‘going technical’ on the runway.

The possibilities are endless! 

#3

AI Hotel Check-In and Concierge

When one thinks of AI, it’s hard not to conjure up images of semi-sentient robots. The two ideas seemed intertwined, a semiotic relationship instilled in our cultural consciousness by hundreds of books and movies, even if the idea of a human-thinking machine might seem faintly ridiculous. But as AI continues to develop apace, so too does the possibility of robots with the power to manage the day-to-day workings of hotels.

AI-powered concierges could soon be deployed in hotels to check in guests and deliver room service orders, all while learning an individual’s habits and preferences to ensure their stay is as comfortable as possible. These robot assistants will also be able to give up-to-the-second travel information and answer queries on the fly.

#5

Smart Trips Optimised by AI Learning

What if AI could allow train, car, and flight service providers to unravel the tangle of a traveller’s journey and keep them moving along one, seamless thread. Every stage of a trip could be managed by a single AI assistant, whether through an integrated app or via a chatbot.

A traveler could book a train ticket on an app, the AI assistant will determine whether a rideshare might be necessary upon arrival, and then – depending on traffic conditions, the train’s expected arrival, and individual preferences – will select a car that is most likely to be there on time.

People will no longer need to research routes or transport delays manually; everything will be delivered to their pockets (or AR glasses) in real-time.

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Experience the Emirates A380

If you’re flying in First Class or Business Class, you can relax over cocktails and bistro bites with fellow travellers in the A380 Onboard Lounge. Share stories around the table or at the bar and help yourself to a light bite, from nibbles and sandwiches to little sweet treats. And in First Class, refresh mid-flight in the exclusive Shower Spa with a selection of premium all-natural spa products.

Emirates Skywards Loyalty Programme

Start Enjoying the Benefits

You can earn Skywards Miles every time you travel, spend, stay, dine, with Emirates’ growing number of international partners. You can then easily spend these miles to: Reduce the cost of your next flight, upgrade your seat to a class above, catch a special performance from your favourite artist, and much more…

Loyalty Tiers Explained

Earn Tier Miles alongside your Skywards Miles to unlock more exciting rewards. Tier Miles help you retain your current membership status or reach the next tier with extra bonuses:

• BLUE members – The entry tier
• SILVER members – Earn 30% bonus Miles
• GOLD members – Earn 75% bonus Miles
• PLATINUM members – Earn 100% bonus Miles

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Potential Issues with the ETIAS Pass

The Electronic European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is an idea that is still in its infancy. While the system is being implemented, and individuals learn how to navigate it, business travellers and holidaymakers may encounter issues that could cause their trip to be delayed.

Border Issues

Even if a British traveller’s ETIAS application is approved, they could still encounter issues at the border. For example, border guards may ask the traveller questions about their travel plans or their criminal history. If the traveller gives the wrong answers or if the border guards have any concerns, they could refuse the traveller entry into the Schengen Zone.

In addition, border guards may use the ETIAS system to check for any security risks associated with the traveller. If the border guards find any security risks, there may be extra interviews that could delay your travel plans indefinitely.

In Conclusion

It is crucial that British travellers prepare for the arrival of the new ETIAS pass if they wish to visit the Schengen Zone. Here are the key points to remember:

• Start planning early and make sure you have all the required documents.
• Complete the application carefully and pay the application fee.
• Be prepared to answer questions at the border.
• Be patient and understanding as the ETIAS system is still in its early stages.

Find out how we can help you navigate the introduction of ETIAS with our ‘always on’, high touch service. 

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Enhanced Traveller Experience

NDC puts the traveller at the centre of the distribution process. By providing access to a wider range of content, including ancillary services, seat selection, and personalized offers, NDC empowers travellers to tailor their journey according to their preferences.

This flexibility also includes the ability to identify a frequent flyer or loyalty programme member and pass this information onto the airline in return for a personalised offer – whether this be a cheaper fare or free or discounted ancillaries.

Increased Choice

NDC enables airlines to showcase their offerings and differentiated services more effectively. By providing access to their full range of products and ancillary services, airlines can differentiate themselves from competitors and highlight their unique value propositions.

This transparency gives travellers a broader choice, allowing them to explore and select the options that best align with their preferences and budget. Ultimately, NDC fosters healthy competition, driving airlines to innovate and deliver more compelling offers to attract customers.

Seamless Integration

NDC offers a standardized, XML-based messaging protocol that facilitates seamless integration between airlines, travel management companies (TMCs) travel agents, and other travel service providers.

This interoperability ensures efficient communication and connectivity across the travel ecosystem. With NDC, airlines can directly distribute their content to various sales channels, including TMCs, online travel agencies (OTAs), metasearch engines, and corporate booking tools. This streamlined connectivity reduces distribution costs, limits intermediaries, and enables faster time-to-market for new products and services.

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