Admiring the earth from 30,000 feet and working to protect it
Sustainability at the new United is first and foremost about creating a leading airline that achieves stability and profitability in a turbulent industry, by delivering an exceptional product to our customers and our communities. We take it a step further with a genuine commitment to responsible actions that reduce our impact on the environment while continuing to achieve our business goals.
Aviation is a remarkably efficient economic engine, accounting for only 2% of global CO2 emissions while adding over 7% to global GDP. Airlines today move passengers and cargo 70% farther on a gallon of fuel than four decades ago.
We're proud of our own corporate track record, having improved aircraft fuel efficiency by 32% since 1994. We don't want to stop there, as we realize that there's more to do. We're focusing on reducing our impact on the environment from all angles – in the air, on the ground, at our facilities, with our business partners and across our communities.
Our commitment to the environment
At United Continental Holdings, we are committed to leading commercial aviation as an environmentally responsible company by taking actions today that shape an environmentally sustainable future, while continuing to comply with applicable laws and regulations. We will:
1. Reduce fuel use and improve fuel efficiency of our aircraft and vehicles through technology and process innovation.
2. Advance and utilize environmentally responsible and cost-efficient alternative fuels.
3. Improve the sustainability of products and our facilities, and responsibly manage wastes generated by our business activities.
4. Work together with our co-workers and partner with our stakeholders – customers, airports, business partners, suppliers, governments and NGOs – to promote accountability and protect the environment while achieving our business goals.
A global approach to addressing greenhouse gas emissions
We support a global approach to addressing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the commercial aviation industry. Together with other airlines, engine and airframe manufacturers, fuel suppliers, airports, and governments, we're working toward collective industry goals, including 1.5% average annual fuel efficiency improvement through 2020, carbon neutral growth beginning in 2020, and a 50% reduction in CO2 by 2050 relative to 2005 baseline levels.
Major advancements in energy, operations and technology, including significant investment by the government in alternative fuels and air traffic control infrastructure modernization, are important elements of our success.
Highlights of our accomplishments
We look forward to our continued integration across the United and Continental subsidiary airlines. We have shared a common focus on protecting the environment, which is allowing us to integrate our programs and focus on the environmental commitment of our combined company. Highlights as a combined company include:
• First U.S. passenger biofuel flight powered with a mixture of renewable algae derived jet fuel and conventional jet fuel.
• 32% improvement in fuel efficiency through investing in a modern, fuel-efficient fleet and equipment.
• Robust aircraft orders that will deliver a greater than 20% improvement in fuel efficiency comprised of 132 new aircraft on order through 2019, including 50 Boeing Dreamliner 787s, 57 Boeing 737s and 25 Airbus A350s.
• More than 300 aircraft in our mainline operations equipped with winglets that deliver up to a 5% reduction in emissions and noise.
• More than 3,600 ground service equipment vehicles, or approximately 26%, are electric or alternatively fueled.
• First U.S. biofuel and synthetic fuel demonstration flights and signed letters of intent to advance cost-efficient and environmentally responsible alternative jet fuels derived from biomass feedstock.
• Recycling and waste minimization programs in-flight, at our airports and at our facilities. Over the last five years, we recycled more than 20 million pounds of cans and plastic items from waste generated in-flight and at our facilities.
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