Eco-Friendly Airline?

Question

Do you believe people would be willing to pay extra, not much extra, for a flight on board an environmentally friendly airline? One that uses the electric tugs to transport planes to the runway, instead of using the plane's own power. Also, using the most efficient aircraft, like the Bombardier C Series, and such environmentally friendly actions. Not only during flight, but also ground practices.

Would you pay extra, knowing that helping the environment should be priceless?

Thanks

Answer 1

Probably not.  People only care about price, and even Al Gore flies around in an expensive jet.  And, if you think about it, electric tugs have to be charged somehow, and that electricity comes from something that probably pollutes.   So, it all comes out the same in the end.

Answer 2

Would I pay extra? Sure I would, but then I dont get carried away by the notion of being eco-friendly. For me power used is power created and power is almost always created by the usage of the so called non eco-friendly means.

So if the electrical power is generated in the remote hydel plant, cabled all the way to the airport, stored in eco-friendly batteries and used to move the aircraft, then I'd be paying extra for some plumb dumbness. There are better ways to do it, economical ways.

Stored electricity doesnt mean eco-friendliness, the source could still be a contributor for pollution. The losses involved in storage of power and its conversions can finally add up to more pollution than by a sensible conventional manner.

Answer 3

Many Airlines offer carbon offset programs. If you feel compelled you can calculate and purchase carbon credits on many airline web sites. Just go to a particular airline web site and search carbon offset to see if they offer the program. Many US and European airlines do

Answer 4

Absolutely not!  Airlines to reduce costs have the incentive to use the most fuel efficient planes.  That is why the B-787 is going to do so well.  Electric tugs?  Give me a break! In the first place, why is an electric tug more environmental friendly.  It uses as much energy as a gas tug, the difference being that the fossil fuel is used at the electric power plant rather than at the airport ramp.

Answer 5

NO

It would never work. You should try and taxi around a O hare or JFK, a tug driver would not do well. Thats allot of tugs. Thats allot of tug drivers. Thats allot of used up tug battery's in the landfill, tugs use a whole bunch of battery's big battery's. Under that kinda use I bet they would be lucky to get a year out of them. I understand that it could pay for itself 10-or 20 years but really.

CRJ's are not as efficient as you think. Turboprops may be making a comeback cause their more efficient. If you want fuel efficiency then go get allot of seats. 777.