As a part of the NWA EarthCares(sm) program, NWA Cargo has replaced engines on five of its freighter aircraft with more fuel efficient and higher performance engines, achieving a 5% improvement in fuel efficiency. This will save the airline an estimated 2.4 million gallons of fuel per year and eliminate over 26,000 tons of carbon emissions.
NWA Cargo also made a progressive environmental move to purchase 4,200 lightweight cargo/luggage containers (LD3s), driving significant fuel savings of up to 1.3 million gallons of fuel per year.
NWA Cargo's current aluminum LD3s weigh just over 205 pounds each, whereas the new composite LD3s weigh only 150 pounds per unit, saving 55 pounds per unit. In addition to the fuel and carbon savings due to reduced weight, the new units offer additional reliability benefits and reduced repair expenses.
"NWA's current LD3s were nearing the end of their economic life and this crucial decision to replace them with new lighter weight composite LD3 is an exciting initiative," said Tom Bach, President, NWA Cargo. "The green element was a key factor in our decision to pursue this major investment."
In addition to these initiatives, it is estimated that NWA Cargo saves 450 gallons of fuel per freighter flight utilizing direct Russian over-flight routes. In 2007, the airline saved almost 100,000 gallons of fuel due to the reduced flying time.
"We will continue to pursue opportunities to do our part to conserve natural resources and protect the environment", said Tim McGraw, director of corporate environmental and safety programs. "This is another example of our commitment to environmental sustainability and how we will continue to strive to be a conservation leader in this industry."
NWA EarthCares(sm)
In 2000, Northwest Airlines established a program of fuel conservation and resource management including a $6 billion fleet modernization effort. The airline has reduced its own carbon emissions by 25 percent since 2000 through its transition to newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft.
In December 2007, Northwest launched its EarthCares(sm) environmental program with a $1 million gift on behalf of the airline's employees and customers to its founding partner, The Nature Conservancy.
Northwest Airlines is one of the world's largest airlines with hubs at Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Memphis, Tokyo and Amsterdam. Northwest, with its regional partners, operate approximately 2,400 daily departures. Northwest is a member of SkyTeam, an airline alliance that offers customers one of the world's most extensive global networks. Northwest and its travel partners serve more than 1,000 cities in excess of 160 countries on six continents.
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