Aeroports de Montreal (ADM), Bombardier Aerospace and Porter Airlines today joined forces to launch the inaugural flight of a series of biofuel flights which will deliver Raymond Benjamin, the Secretary General of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to Rio de Janeiro for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20). Prior to departing from Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, executives from each organization emphasized the importance of investing in sustainable aviation and their commitment to working with the industry to reduce the environmental impact of aviation.
„As signatories of the Aviation Industry Commitment to Action on Climate Change, we fully share these objectives,” said Mr. James C. Cherry, President & CEO, Aeroports de Montreal. „I would like to take this opportunity to point out that Montreal-Trudeau airport was the first in North America to sell carbon credits and that we already have made several innovative achievements in the area of greenhouse gas reduction,” added Mr. Cherry
This marks the second biofuel flight for Bombardier and Porter this year. In April, Porter successfully conducted the first biofuel-powered revenue flight in Canada. In the conclusion to a test program that was launched in 2010, the airline flew one of its Q400 turboprops from its base at Toronto City Airport to Ottawa using a 50/50 blend of biofuel and Jet A1 fuel in one of its engines. Today’s flight is using the same fuel in one engine – certified to the new American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D7566/D1655 standard and derived from the oilseed crop, Camelina sativa(i) (49 per cent) and Brassica carinata(i) (one per cent). The aircraft’s other engine is powered by Jet A1 fuel.
The biofuel research is only one of many initiatives Bombardier has embarked on in recent years in the area of sustainable aviation as a pillar of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility program. Bombardier is also involved in numerous projects to reduce the environmental footprint of its sites and its products by using a lifecycle approach including Design for Environment and the implementation of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building standards at its manufacturing sites.
„Bombardier is proud to be involved in this symbolic journey for the industry,” said Helene V. Gagnon, Vice-President, Public Affairs, Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility, Bombardier Aerospace. „As a leading aircraft manufacturer we must act as a role model for the industry where the environment is concerned, not only by designing and building innovative and responsible products, but by working in partnership with the entire industry to find solutions that can benefit us all in the long term.”
Porter operates a single-type fleet of 26 Q400 aircraft throughout its regional network.
„One reason that Porter initially chose the Q400 aircraft is because of its efficiency characteristics, including substantially reduced fuel usage and emissions compared to comparable jet aircraft,” said Robert Cordes, Executive Vice President and COO, Porter Airlines. „Biofuel used on a regular basis has the potential to make even greater improvements in the future. We’re proud to contribute to this goal as part of overall industry efforts.”
About Q400 aircraf
The Q400 turboprop airliner, which is built at Bombardier’s Toronto, Ontario facility, is the advanced successor to Bombardier’s Dash 8/Q-Series family of aircraft. Optimized for short-haul operations, the „comfortably greener,” 70- to 80-seat Q400 aircraft is a large, fast, quiet and fuel-efficient turboprop. It provides an ideal balance of passenger comfort and operating economics with a reduced environmental footprint.
Setting new environmental standards, the Q400 aircraft uses 30 to 40 per cent less fuel and produces 30 to 40 per cent fewer emissions on routes where it has replaced similar-capacity, older jets. Overall, the Q400 aircraft is 15 decibels quieter than ICAO Chapter 4 noise standards; raising the bar for the entire industry.
More than 380 Q400 aircraft are in service with approximately 40 operators in 30 countries, on six continents. These aircraft have transported more than 177 million passengers.
About ADM
ADM is the local airport authority responsible for the management, operation and development of Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau and Montreal-Mirabel international airports since 1992. The Corporation employs 600 people at both airports and at head office. ADM has been ISO 14001 certified since 2000.
About Porter Airlines
Founded in 2006, Porter Airlines has revolutionized short-haul flying with a warm and effortless approach to hospitality and restoring glamour and refinement to air travel. An Official 4 Star Airline(R) in the World Airline Star Rating(R) by Skytrax, and rated second in the world in Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers Choice Awards Top Small Airlines category, Porter is committed to providing a premium travel experience. Complimentary amenities include luxurious airport lounges, Starbucks coffee, premium snacks, and wine or beer onboard.
The airline currently offers flights to Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Moncton, Halifax, St. John’s, Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, Timmins, Windsor, New York (Newark), Chicago (Midway), Boston (Logan), Washington, D.C., and has seasonal flights to Mt. Tremblant, Que., Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Burlington, Vt. Visit www.flyporter.com or call (888) 619-8622 for more information.
About Bombardier
Bombardier is the world’s only manufacturer of both planes and trains. Looking far ahead while delivering today, Bombardier is evolving mobility worldwide by answering the call for more efficient, sustainable and enjoyable transportation everywhere. Our vehicles, services and, most of all, our employees are what make us a global leader in transportation.
Bombardier is headquartered in Montreal, Canada. Our shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD) and we are listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America indexes. In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, we posted revenues of $18.3 billion USD. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.
Source: Bombardier