EasyJet lightens the load with new lightweight seats, trollies and sharklets
3/4/2013 9:59
EasyJet, the UK’s largest airline, is introducing a raft of measures which will improve fuel efficiency and reduce C02 emissions. The fuel savings will come through a new, lighter seat and lightweight trolleys along with aerodynamic improvements like sharklets, an enlarged wing tip which makes the wing more efficient.
The Recaro new seats will be fitted onto all new aircraft to be delivered to easyJet. 14 aircraft will be delivered between now and the end of next summer, the first of which will enter service in April 2013. Sharklets will be fitted on all new aircraft deliveries from August 2013, with eight being delivered by the end of summer next year. The new lightweight trolleys will be used on all easyJet’s 214 aircraft from April 2013.
easyJet’s annual fuel bill is around £1.2bn. The annual fuel saving on the 14 aircraft with new seats, combined with the reduction in fuel burn resulting from sharklets on eight planes and lightweight trolleys on all 214 aircraft will be £2.7m. Due to easyJet’s simple, efficient operations an easyJet passenger’s carbon footprint is already 22% less than a passenger on a traditional airline flying on the same route and aircraft.
Carolyn McCall, CEO of easyJet, speaking from Moscow on the airline’s first flight to the Russian capital, commented:
“easyJet is committed to fuel efficient and environmentally sustainable operations and this was a key driver in the decision on the new Recaro seats along with the comfort of our passengers.
“Taking smart decisions on the product we put onboard our planes, as well as operating the planes in the most efficient way possible, enables us to realise significant savings which in turn means we can maintain our low fares – even at a time when fuel prices remain at their historic highs.”
easyJet has always scrutinised all aspects of its flying to ensure it operates in the most efficient way. easyJet’s pilots have led the way in devising and implementing fuel saving measures such as one engine taxiing, delayed engine starts, continuous descent approach and minimum use of the Auxiliary Power Unit when on the ground.
Additionally, the enhanced maintenance programme washes the engine’s compressors routinely to ensure they operate as efficiently as possible. The net fuel saving is around £1.8m per year.
Last month easyJet announced the start of a twelve month trial of an innovative Zonal Dryer system which will also significantly contribute to reducing the weight of its aircraft. easyJet has installed CTT Systems of Sweden’s light-weight Zonal Drying unit which weighs less than 30kg, to the crown area of three of its A320 aircraft. The unit will reduce weight-increasing moisture by up to 250kg on each flight – the equivalent of 12 hold bags plus the additional benefit of improving air quality for the passenger.
Following a series of improvements made by easyJet over the past six years, the airline already has an industry-leading approach to fuel efficiency operating one of the cleanest, youngest fleets.
Commenting on the new Recaro seats, Carolyn McCall, said:
“As well as the fuel savings we really believe that passengers will notice the difference of the new, ergonomically designed seat which provides more space for passengers.”
The new seats will be fitted on 14 new aircraft which are due to be delivered from April 2013 onward. The seats are almost 600kg - 26% - per aircraft set lighter than the current seats and even the new seat belts are lighter. The SL3510 seat, ergonomically designed and manufactured by Recaro, optimises a combination of foams to provide the best comfort and support for the passenger. The backrest is at a 15 degree angle for a relaxed seating position and the slimmer backrest provides more space for passengers.
Recaro, based in Germany, is a global supplier of premium aircraft seats. The seats will be manufactured in the company’s Polish production facility. The new seats offer greater simplicity with over 100 fewer parts. The new seat cover is grey with orange accents and is complimented by a new carpet onboard and specially designed easyJet orange aisle lighting.
The Recaro new seats will be fitted onto all new aircraft to be delivered to easyJet. 14 aircraft will be delivered between now and the end of next summer, the first of which will enter service in April 2013. Sharklets will be fitted on all new aircraft deliveries from August 2013, with eight being delivered by the end of summer next year. The new lightweight trolleys will be used on all easyJet’s 214 aircraft from April 2013.
easyJet’s annual fuel bill is around £1.2bn. The annual fuel saving on the 14 aircraft with new seats, combined with the reduction in fuel burn resulting from sharklets on eight planes and lightweight trolleys on all 214 aircraft will be £2.7m. Due to easyJet’s simple, efficient operations an easyJet passenger’s carbon footprint is already 22% less than a passenger on a traditional airline flying on the same route and aircraft.
Carolyn McCall, CEO of easyJet, speaking from Moscow on the airline’s first flight to the Russian capital, commented:
“easyJet is committed to fuel efficient and environmentally sustainable operations and this was a key driver in the decision on the new Recaro seats along with the comfort of our passengers.
“Taking smart decisions on the product we put onboard our planes, as well as operating the planes in the most efficient way possible, enables us to realise significant savings which in turn means we can maintain our low fares – even at a time when fuel prices remain at their historic highs.”
easyJet has always scrutinised all aspects of its flying to ensure it operates in the most efficient way. easyJet’s pilots have led the way in devising and implementing fuel saving measures such as one engine taxiing, delayed engine starts, continuous descent approach and minimum use of the Auxiliary Power Unit when on the ground.
Additionally, the enhanced maintenance programme washes the engine’s compressors routinely to ensure they operate as efficiently as possible. The net fuel saving is around £1.8m per year.
Last month easyJet announced the start of a twelve month trial of an innovative Zonal Dryer system which will also significantly contribute to reducing the weight of its aircraft. easyJet has installed CTT Systems of Sweden’s light-weight Zonal Drying unit which weighs less than 30kg, to the crown area of three of its A320 aircraft. The unit will reduce weight-increasing moisture by up to 250kg on each flight – the equivalent of 12 hold bags plus the additional benefit of improving air quality for the passenger.
Following a series of improvements made by easyJet over the past six years, the airline already has an industry-leading approach to fuel efficiency operating one of the cleanest, youngest fleets.
Commenting on the new Recaro seats, Carolyn McCall, said:
“As well as the fuel savings we really believe that passengers will notice the difference of the new, ergonomically designed seat which provides more space for passengers.”
The new seats will be fitted on 14 new aircraft which are due to be delivered from April 2013 onward. The seats are almost 600kg - 26% - per aircraft set lighter than the current seats and even the new seat belts are lighter. The SL3510 seat, ergonomically designed and manufactured by Recaro, optimises a combination of foams to provide the best comfort and support for the passenger. The backrest is at a 15 degree angle for a relaxed seating position and the slimmer backrest provides more space for passengers.
Recaro, based in Germany, is a global supplier of premium aircraft seats. The seats will be manufactured in the company’s Polish production facility. The new seats offer greater simplicity with over 100 fewer parts. The new seat cover is grey with orange accents and is complimented by a new carpet onboard and specially designed easyJet orange aisle lighting.
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