The inaugural flight between San Francisco and Dubai will also go down in the books as the world's longest green flight trialAt 3:45 PM today, Emirates Airlines will launch nonstop service between San Francisco and Dubai. The 16-hour flight will, at least initially, operate three times a week utilizing brand new Boeing 777-200LR aircraft, featuring luxurious private suites in First Class, lie-flat seats in Business Class, and generous space for Economy Class guests.
But today's flight is much more than the debut of a top notch premium airline. The flight from SFO later today is also a trial to launch a new environmental program to execute the world's longest green journey. Simply put, it means rolling out the most environmentally-sophisticated route and trip possible to save an estimated 2,000 gallons of fuel and 30,000 pounds of carbon emissions.
Specifically, today's inaugural flight will demonstrate many fuel and emission saving measures including:
- The new 777-200LR will be specially washed beforehand to minimize drag.
- A pre-planned priority departure route out of Dubai will provide an unimpeded climb through to cruise altitude, allowing the aircraft to reach its optimum cruise altitude as quickly and efficiently as possible.
- The aircraft will track close to the North Pole following extensive work by Emirates and aircraft manufacturers to open this new routing.
- Flexible routings will be pursued over Canadian airspace.
- The FAA and San Francisco Air Traffic Control will seek to offer optimal routings for arrival and if possible a continuous descent approach to minimize fuel burn.
- All on-board glass, newspapers, aluminium and paper will be collecting for recycling.
For more information on Emirates and the world's longest green flight, visit www.emirates.com.
Also Read: "Emirates Airlines' flying to S.F raises issues" -SFGate