Virgin Australia ushers in new aviation era

Today marks the start of a new era for Virgin Australia, which has taken delivery of its first new, fuel-efficient Boeing 737-8 aircraft in Seattle.

The new MAX family aircraft are fitted out with next generation seats which include device holders and in-seat power, and are 40% quieter and at least 15%more fuel efficient per flight compared to the 737-800 NG fleet, the airline said in a statement.

The acquisition came on the same day as Virgin’s inaugural Cairns-Tokyo (Haneda) service, which will operate using the 737-8 aircraft from the end of July.

VH-8IA is one of 33 MAX family aircraft that will join the Virgin Australia fleet over the next five years.

Virgin Australia Chief Operations Officer Stuart Aggs said the new MAX family aircraft are a critical part of the airline’s transformation.

“These new aircraft will allow us to grow capacity and support more efficient jet services,” he said.

“And, importantly, they will reduce emissions by at least 15% per flight compared to the 737-800 NG fleet, supporting our commitment to targeting net zero emissions by 2050.

“While our approach to decarbonisation is multi-faceted, fleet modernisation is a critical part of progressing our sustainability ambitions and represents a significant opportunity to reduce our emissions intensity in the near term.

“We expect our fleet renewal program, combined with other fuel efficiency initiatives, to support over 80%of our 2030 interim target to reduce Virgin Australia’s carbon emission intensity by 22%.”

Bordeaux beats environmental targets

Mission accomplished. 

After aiming for a 20% reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions between 2008 and 2020, the Bordeaux wine region has reported an actual drop of 30% in its carbon dioxide equivalent emissions over the 12 years.

The Interprofessional Bordeaux Wine Council (CIVB) reported the figures this week during its 12th environmental forum at the Palais des Congrès in Bordeaux.

The carbon footprint of the Bordeaux wine industry amounted to 587,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2020, compared to 840,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2008, Vitisphere reported. 

There has been "real progress", says Laurent Charlier, the research and innovation manager of the CIVB. 

Laure Le Quéré, project manager at the Greenflex consulting firm, said successful initiatives had included lighter bottles and monitoring of energy consumption. 

Future plans include working on greener packaging, the development of alternatives to agricultural fuel oil and inputs, and the energy efficiency of buildings.