carbonneutraltourism.co.uk

Following an earlier posting an here’s an update on the Solar Impulse project.

“After four years of research, complex scientific calculations and simulations, Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg, leaders of the Solar Impulse team, and future pilots, presented today the final design of the 61 meter wingspan prototype airplane matriculated HB-SIA.

On this occasion, they were joined by the main partners’ CEOs, Christian Jourquin from Solvay, Nick Hayek Jr. and Stephen Urquhart from Omega as well as Josef Ackermann from Deutsche Bank, who helped reveal the 6 meter model of the prototype. Yves de Chaisemartin from Altran, engineering partner, and Charles Edelstenne from Dassault Aviation, aeronautical advisor, were also present to mark the beginning of the construction phase of the project.

Following the press conference, the participants had the opportunity, for the first and last time before the roll-out, to visit the construction hall. They saw the cockpit, the state-of-the art solar cells, the engine of the plane and how the engineers test these elements. Furthermore, they were able to enter a unique 3D station in which they virtually entered the lane and saw every detail.

With the endeavour to reduce the environmental impact linked to business travel, the press onference was broadcast live on the Solar Impulse website.

The roll-out of the prototype is due to take place in autumn 2008.

Bertrand Piccard, President of Solar Impulse and Pilot “The most foolish thing is not the realization of a plane flying day and night without a drop of oil, but to continue to think that our civilisation will be able to survive consuming 1 million tones of petrol per hour which is destroying the planet.”

André Borschberg, CEO of Solar Impulse and Pilot “We have now reached the first key step of the project. After 4 years of concept development, we have started the construction of the prototype airplane. It is like bringing alive what has been imagined, simulated, calculated by the engineers it will be the exploration of a new flight domain with the size of a transport airplane and the lightness of a hang glider. Weight matters so much that if during a test a component does not fail, it may be
too heavy!”

Christian Jourquin, CEO of Solvay “The scientific and technological challenge captivated us from the start. A company like ours, which is coming up to its 150th anniversary, can continue and grow only by maintaining a very solid scientific and technological basis. This was the credo of our founder and of those who followed him, and it remains the credo of present-day top management. We immediately realized that our competencies in advanced materials, plastics and other special compounds would make a key contribution to the success of Solar Impulse. Alternatives to fossil fuels, in
terms of both energy production and storage, are also on our Research and Development radar screen.”

Nick Hayek, CEO of The Swatch Group “The sustainable energy problems are the major challenge for future generations. The Swatch Group and OMEGA have been working for a long time towards new solutions.”

Stephen Urquhart, CEO of Omega “Following in the steps of OMEGA’s pioneering history and in particular our participation in the conquest of space and the Moon landing, I believe the Solar Impulse project gives us an authentic and far-reaching platform to communicate a very important message in today’s world.”

Dr. Josef Ackermann, Chairman of the Management Board and the Group Executive Committee of Deutsche Bank AG “Sustainability is an integral component of our corporate policies and comprises all of our business divisions and corporate functions. We are financing climate protection and climate change strategies and creating incentives through specific products for more to be invested in environmentally friendly technologies and for investors to be in a better position to diversify their risks. Moreover, our global presence and highly regarded research will facilitate the dialogue with policymakers, corporations and our clients. In a tangible and imaginative way, Solar Impulse reflects the full scope of Deutsche Bank’s commitment to the environment. We not only give money but provide our know-how for an efficient sustainability management system as well as our world-wide network.”

Yves de Chaisemartin, CEO Altran “It was all about dreams, and by joining our strengths and competences, it is to turn into reality and will improve sustainable transports. I am pride that Altran consultants’ expertise has contributed to make it happen through their contribution on the flight simulator, energy system and the overall project management. Our support to Solar Impulse as Engineering partners and the Altran Foundation for Innovation which 2008 theme is the CO2 rate reduction in the atmosphere. These are examples of our social & scientific commitment.”

Charles Edelstenne, CEO Dassault-Aviation “As a ‘Consultant in Aircraft Manufacture’, Dassault-Aviation, provides expert advice based on its civil and military aeronautical experience. Sustainable development is at the heart of Dassault’s concerns and the company is an important participant in European R & D initiatives. Dassault is commited to optimising the design of its new FALCON airplanes in order to drastically reduce their consumption of fuel. Pioneering spirit, family values and a sense of responsibility towards future generations typify the strong values of the Solar Impulse project which Dassault-Aviation supports whole heartedly. Dassault-Aviation is proud to be part of this extraordinary adventure full of dreams, passion and intelligence.”

To find out more about this exciting project please visit Solar Impulse’s website www.solarimpulse.com

“Following the Government’s decision earlier this month to double air passenger duty (APD) for business-class only airlines Silverjet announced today that it is to offer customers the choice to opt-out of its own industry-leading carbon offsetting programme when booking a seat on the airline.” To read the rest of the press release click here.

Silverjet have set the ’standard’ in carbon offsetting in the aviation industry.

Harbour Air Seaplanes is the first carbon neutral airline in North America. They have been working with Vancouver based Offsetters Carbon Neutral Society. Interestingly, Offsetters Carbon Neutral Society are not for profit company.

Invest Northern Ireland has announced that it is supporting a £6 million project which is being lead by Bombardier which is helping to develop the next generation of jet engines which will have a lower impact on the environment. Read more here.

Tourism relies upon the aeroplane. Dough Rodante President of Green Flight International may just have the answer.

World’s first jet flight powered entirely on renewable bio-diesel fuel. Green Flight International and Biodiesel Solutions partner to set a new precedent in the use of renewable fuels in transportation.

‘RENO, NV. (October 5)… Aviation history was made earlier this week in the high desert at the Reno-Stead Airport when an L-29 military aircraft piloted by Carol Sugars and Douglas Rodante succeeded in completing the world’s first jet flight powered solely by 100% biodiesel fuel. The Czechoslovakian-made aircraft is rated to fly on a variety of fuels including heating oil, making it the preferred platform for testing biodiesel in jet engines.

The experimental test flights were conducted starting with a blend of jet fuel and biodiesel. The engine data was measured and the performance was evaluated and found acceptable for continued use, eventually resulting in the landmark flight using 100% renewable biodiesel fuel. According to Chief Pilot Carol Sugars who wrote and conducted the test program, “As we gradually increased the amount of biodiesel in the fuel blend, the data confirmed that the aircraft continued to perform well, giving me the confidence to transition to 100% biodiesel.” Flight tests were conducted up to an altitude of 17,000 feet showing no significant difference in performance compared to conventional jet fuel.

“This test program between Green Flight International and Biodiesel Solutions was a unique and exciting opportunity to show what can be done in renewable fuels.” said Rudi Wiedemann, president of Biodiesel Solutions. “The very idea of using 100% biodiesel to fly a jet aircraft makes a compelling statement about the possibilities for the future of renewable energy and a healthier planet.”

Out of concern for our global environment, Green Flight International was conceived by Douglas Rodante in April 2006 to serve as a platform for future development in the use of environmentally-friendly fuels in aviation and elsewhere. “It is imperative that the global community take immediate steps to reduce our carbon footprint, because we can no longer afford to wait while our environment continues to degrade.” said Rodante. “By implementing even a small amount of bio-degradable fuel in our transportation system we can significantly reduce the CO2 (greenhouse gasses) and NOx (the precursor to smog) that contribute to global warming.”

In the near future Green Flight International expects to announce plans for another record-breaking aviation event. They invite aviation and biofuel enthusiasts to inquire about how they might be able to participate in this exciting venture. For more information contact Doug Rodante at (407) 880-2501 or doug@greenflightinternational.com .’

Long haul destinations which rely on overseas tourists could become less attractive as ‘carbon neutrality’ becomes a mainstream issue in both the public and private sectors.

As governments introduce or increase regulations/’carbon tax’ the cost of travelling to long haul destinations such as Thailand and Australia could increase making these destinations  less attractive. The long term economic knock-effect on local economies could be considerable (particularly for those destinations which rely heavily on overseas tourism).  At the same time some consumers are also making a personal choice not to take holidays which involve taking a long or short haul flight.

We understand that NetJets Europe are aiming to be ‘carbon neutral’ by 2012. After carrying out research into the carbon offsetting market they have decided to work with EcoSecurities. NetJets is also funding the Next Generation Jet-Fuel Project at Princeton University Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering – the project is looking at developing ultra-low emission jet fuel.

The find out more about NetJet environmental stance click here.

East Midlands Airport is planning to reduce its carbon footprint - by 2012 they hope that their operation will be carbon neutral.

They have recently submitted a proposed to install four wind turbines which could provide 10% of their power and they use a ground source heat pump to heat part an extension.

Qantas Airways, Australia’s leading airline now offer passengers the opportunity to offset their carbon emissions.  A number of Australian ‘Ambassadors’ and celebrities have pledged their support to reduce their carbon footprint and ‘fly carbon neutral’ including Greg Norman and Ian Thorpe.

Carbon offset projects selected by Qantas have to meet Government requirements to be eligible for Greenhouse Friendly^TM accreditation.

Nature Air based in Costa Rica have an interesting background.  The company was originally called Travel Air founded by two Alaskan pilots.   A nature based consultancy (www.naturegate.com) working on sustainable tourism projects in Central America heard that Travel Air was for sales and along with a group aviation experts formed Nature Air.  The airline which flies NGO teams, researchers, ecologists, environmentalists and foresters expanded throughout Central American offering new destinations for scuba divers, swimmers, surfers and families.

Nature Air has a carbon emissions programme and they have selected two sustainable programs in Costa Rica which provide clean energy through solar and wind farms to help offset the CO2 they produce.