More eco-efficiency: airberlin is getting Boeing Next-Generation 737 with new engine - In future up two percent fewer emissions

As of today the first Boeing 737-800 with the new engine type CFM56-7BE has been added to the airberlin fleet. At the same time the aircraft with the registration D-ABKW is also one of the first Boeing 737NG with the advanced engine technology delivered to a European airline. The engine optimization goes hand in hand with modifications in the field of aerodynamics, such as, e.g. anti-collision lights designed in a streamlined way. According to the manufacturer the CFM56-7BE engine combined with the other modifications is to save up to two percent kerosene and with this up to two percent CO2 emissions. In addition, engine maintenance costs are said to be reduced by up to four percent.

All newly supplied Boeing 737s from the next generation family will have these modifications with immediate effect and consequently further improve the environmental balance of airberlin. The airberlin fleet is expected to save 8,971 tons of CO2 in a period of one year through this optimization package alone. This quantity of carbon dioxide corresponds to the emissions of 460 flights with a Boeing 737-800 from Berlin-Tegel to Palma de Mallorca.

Eco-efficient flying has a tradition at airberlin. The company is thereby focusing on the optimization of flight procedures and flight planning, the minimization of the weight carried on board as well as technical innovations. The fuel efficiency program of the airline comprises over 40 individual measures, which make airberlin the most efficient German airline. In this respect the average fuel consumption in 2010 was 3.6 liters/100 passenger kilometers. This peak value is to be reduced this year by a further 1.5 percent to 3.5 liters/100 passenger kilometers.

airberlin is Germany’s second largest airline. The company currently has over 8,900 employees. In 2010 alone airberlin received more than 10 awards for service and quality. The fleet encompasses 170 aircraft with an average age of five years. Consequently airberlin operates one of the youngest fleets in Europe. The airline’s modern aircraft are extremely fuel-efficient and so provide a lasting contribution to the reduction of aviation emissions. airberlin is one of the major airlines in Europe and flies to 163 destinations in 39 countries. In 2010 the airline carried 33.6 million passengers. airberlin has now signed a declaration which will allow the airline to join oneworld®, the worldwide aviation alliance. Full membership is planned for the start of 2012. airberlin offers codeshare flights with oneworld members American Airlines, British Airways, Finnair, Iberia and S7.

Air Berlin PLC & Co. Luftverkehrs KG
Press Office
Saatwinkler Damm 42-43
D-13627 Berlin
Tel.: + 49 30 3434 1500
Mail: abpresse@airberlin.com

This release was published on openPR.