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Global Warming
 
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.
Fuel and Emissions
Low-Emission Aircraft
Fuel-Efficient Flight
Reducing Emissions on the Tarmac
Weight Reduction
Fuel and 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.
Pilots are required to undergo a tremendous amount of training to operate aircraft. Previously, training was conducted using actual aircraft, but as much fuel was consumed, presently a large portion of training is conducted using flight simulators. As a result, we have significantly reduced the use of fuel for training and the impact of aviation on the environment.
Low-Emission Aircraft
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.
Even if the same aircraft or engines are used, the amount of CO2 emitted from aircraft can be reduced by the way maintenance is performed. Engines gradually accumulate small particles of waste and dust on the blades of the compressor through use. This causes the degradation of the compressor performance, and in turn fuel efficiency declines. Therefore, the JAL Group regularly cleans the engine compressor and improves engine efficiency. by cleaning aircraft engines of 70% of JAL Group's total fleet every 6 months, CO2 emissions are reduced by more than 50,000 tons a year. We have also developed special equipment to collect and process water after cleaning in an effort to curb the increase of impacts on the environment.

Boeing 787

Boeing 737-800
Boeing 787 Boeing 737-800
Fuel-Efficient Flight
Standard aircraft flight involves takeoff, ascent, cruising at altitude then descent and landing. JAL is carrying out a variety of "eco-flight activities" to reduce fuel consumption at each stage of take-off, ascent, cruising, 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.
In addition to operating aircraft by choosing the optimal altitude, route and speed, we aim for operations with the least burden on the environment, without compromising safety, such as operating equipment at the optimal timing, reducing the use of the thrust reverser at landing, and switching off some engines during taxiing. The JAL Group is one of the lieading airlines to proactively adopt new environmentally-friendly operating methods, such as Tailored Arrival.
Reducing Emissions on the Tarmac
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.
Furthermore, the JAL Group is carrying out the Shade Close Exercise of cabin windows from spring to autumn in Japan and at relevant seasons overseas, with the passengers' cooperation, to reduce the use of APU for air-conditioning and subsequently reduce CO2 emissions.


JAL Keeps Aircraft Interiors Cool with Closed Shades
Weight Reduction

A Boeing 747 is approximately 150kg 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.
The JAL Group is also carrying out extensive activities to reduce the weight of goods, fuel, water, etc., loaded on aircraft, For example, in our inflight service, we have adopted lighter tableware, spoon and forks, both of which are 2grams lighter per piece than before, "PET bottled". We have also introduced containers for baggage and cargo made of new glass fiber material called Twintex, which are 26kg lighter per piece than usual containers. As part of fuel saving efforts, we are calculating the amount of fuel to be loaded onto aircraft in units of 100 lbs. instead of 1000 lbs. to achieve the most appropriate amount. Furthermore, as part of proactive eco activities, cabin attendants are reducing the weight of their baggage.
If possible, we would appreciate the customers' cooperation for our "Sky-Eco" initiative by reducing the weight of your baggage.