Emirates is trialing a new environmental programme, which includes using electrical power on the ground instead of the aircraft’s energy-draining auxiliary power unit.
During the airline’s inaugural San Francisco flight in December, the airline implemented several measures to ensure the 16-hour service saved some 2000 gallons of fuel and 30,000 pounds of carbon emissions.
In order to generate electrical power on the ground, airports’ contract suppliers to provide airlines with flexible cables, aircraft connectors and a mobile unit for the supply of power, water and pre-conditioned air to the aircraft.
The mobile units house motorised cable reel trolleys, which operate using rechargeable batteries as opposed to diesel, offering an environment friendly and flexible system. As well as using ground-based electrical power, the airline arranged a priority departure route for an unimpeded ascent.
