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Airbus announces green plans |
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Thursday, 05 June 2008 |
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Airbus has committed to developing greener technologies for the creation of more fuel-efficient planes by 2020.
Aircraft manufacturer Airbus has announced ambitious new green plans in response to concerns about the impact of the aviation industry on the environment and climate change.
The company, which manufactures the A380 superjumbo, said it would produce planes powered by "emerging technology" and new fuel sources, as the price of oil becomes as much as an incentive for change as environmental concerns.
The Guardian reports that Tom Enders, chief executive of Airbus, said: "What we are looking for and what the airlines are looking for is a step-change in terms of aircraft technology. The aircraft should be ready to go into service by the end of the next decade."
Like the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the A380 produces 20 per cent less carbon dioxide per journey than aircraft released a decade ago, but airlines are demanding planes that are even more fuel-efficient as fuel prices continue to rise.
With oil reaching all-time high prices last month, budget carrier easyJet recently warned that as many as 50 airlines could face bankruptcy as a result of the added cost.
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