Easyjet introduces Ecojet: a green (though noisy) solution
The campaigns against noise pollution and climate change are about to face a conflict of interests, with a new proposal from Easyjet: the airline plans to cut carbon emissions by up to 50% by switching to a fleet of noisier but cleaner propeller-powered jets.
Easyjet conceded yesterday that targets for reducing aircraft noise would have to be sacrificed to halve emissions, if people want to continue to take advantage of cheap air travel. Propeller-powered plans are more fuel efficient than existing jets, but are noisier because the rotating blades cannot be encased in an outer shell. The eco-jets would also be a bit slower than Easyjet's current planes, adding around 5-10 minutes to most European journeys; another sacrifice future jet-setters are having to face.
Unveiling a model termed the 'Eco Jet', Easyjet Chief Executive Andy Harrison said: "There is a trade-off between noise and carbon dioxide emissions. We think reducing CO2 should be the priority". It is thought that the new jet could enter service in 2015, depending on backing from leading manufacturers Boeing and Airbus.
