JAL and the Environment - Global Warming

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Aircraft engines use fossil fuels, and when burning, these fuels generate carbon dioxide (CO2). Carbon dioxide accounts for the majority of greenhouse gases, which are believed to be the cause of global warming. JAL is engaged in a variety of initiatives aimed at achieving reductions in CO2 emissions.

When a Boeing 747 flies from Tokyo to Sapporo, the aircraft uses some 13,100 liters of fuel. That is equivalent to about 70 oil drums or 220 full automobile tanks. Cars, trucks and aircraft are responsible for emitting approximately 20% of the CO2 released into the atmosphere in Japan. Air transport makes up about 4% of that figure, or 0.8% of the domestic total.

Aircraft-engine manufacturing technology has advanced and fuel efficiency dramatically improved over recent decades. For example, the newly developed Boeing 777 emits up to 37% less CO2 than older 747s. The JAL Group aims to bolster its fleet with the addition of more fuel-efficient, low-emission aircraft, i.e., 777s, 787s and 737-800s.


Boeing 787		Boeing 737-800

Standard aircraft flight involves takeoff, ascent, cruising at altitude then descent and landing. If the aircraft experiences strong headwinds while cruising, it is possible to save fuel by adjusting altitude to levels where there are fewer headwinds. The need to avoid bad weather and heavy cloud means it is extremely rare for a pilot to fly a direct course to a given destination, but JAL aims to save fuel by opting for routings that cover the shortest possible distance between two points.

When an aircraft comes to a halt after landing and the engine is turned off, the auxiliary power unit (APU) is activated to supply electrical power for cabin lighting and air-conditioning onboard. As the APU uses fuel, however, it also emits CO2. When electrical power is supplied by a ground power unit (GPU) to an aircraft parked on the tarmac, exhaust gases and noise are significantly reduced. JAL tries to use GPUs as much as possible while aircraft are at rest.

An aircraft is approximately 150 kg lighter when the exterior is not painted. As a result, less fuel is consumed and CO2 emissions reduced. Unpainted aircraft also eliminate the need for paint remover in periodic repainting, which helps reduce the amount of organic solvents discharged into the atmosphere.

JAL has been flying eco-friendly unpainted cargo aircraft since 1992. Unpainted aircraft with aluminum surfaces, however, must be polished frequently to prevent corrosion of the aircraft body. It would be impractical to polish passenger aircraft because of their many windows, but JAL keeps three of its fleet of cargo aircraft unpainted.