Flybe introduces "eco-labelling" for its flights

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European regional airline Flybe has introduced an "eco-labelling" system to help customers make booking decisions based on the fuel consumption, carbon emissions and noise patterns of the aircraft type to be used on their flight.

The eco-label of each aircraft has three components. These are 'Local Environment' which assesses the aircraft noise rating and the levels of CO2 and NOX emissions on the landing and take-off cycle; 'Journey Environment', a system of grading fuel consumption and CO2 emissions; and 'Passenger Environment' which contains information on minimum leg-room and the number of seats.

In addition to the eco-labelling scheme Flybe says it has invested over USD2bn in environmentally sensitive aircraft, the Bombardier Q400 and the Embraer 195. By 2009 the airline hopes to have phased out all other types of aircraft.

The airline has also appointed the Clean Planet Trust (PURE) to run carbon-offset schemes for its passengers. The organisation will operate a carbon credits based scheme, which will trade carbon credits on the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, and a grant scheme under which PURE will make direct contributions to carbon reducing projects.

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