The “EasyJet EcoJet”: to cut CO2 emissions by 50% by 2015

EasyJet is the first airline to outline the environmental requirements that must be met by the next generation of short-haul super-clean aircraft. The aircraft would need to be 25% quieter and would emit 50% less CO2 and 75% less NOx than today’s newest aircraft (the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 families of aircraft).

Well, it looks like easyJet has done just that, themselves, with its design of the “easyJet ecoJet”, and what such an aircraft could look like for operation by 2015. The aircraft will incorporate the latest research by airframe and engine manufacturers around the world – all of which can be incorporated into an aircraft that should be in operation by 2015. The projection for the 50% CO2 reduction is based on the findings from the latest research by the industry leaders and will come from the engines (25%), the lightweight airframe (15%) and from improvements to air traffic control technology and design (10%). (more…)