Oman Air is now second to Polish carrier LOT in Heathrow’s quarterly ranking of airlines’ environmental performance.
The latest ‘Fly Quiet and Green’ league table, which ranked the top 50 busiest airlines at Heathrow on seven noise and emission metrics from July to September 2018, shows airlines continuing to invest in the modernisation of their fleets.
Oman Air phased out the use of its older Airbus A330s on its Heathrow routes for Boeing 787 Dreamliners in the summer quarter.
As a result, the Gulf carrier has jumped up 26 places over the previous three months, demonstrating the impact technology can have on airline’s environmental performance.
LOT Polish Airlines, which operates a new Boeing 737 MAX on the Heathrow-Warsaw route, has worked with the airport’s operational team to find ways to improve its operations.
Aer Lingus, an airline that has consistently proven to be among the quietest and greenest at Heathrow – placed in the top three rankings in all but two Fly Quiet and Green league tables.
Air Malta also performed well in the last quarter, jumping 11 places to 11th position, following improved use of the quieter “continuous descent approach” into the airport and greater adherence to government set noise-preferential routes.
British Airways short-haul is in fifth place after Air India with Flybe seventh, Virgin Atlantic 24th and BA long-haul 28th.
Ethiopian Airlines is bottom of the third quarter table, beneath Pakistan International Airlines, Air China and Qantas.
Heathrow sustainability director Matt Gorman said: “Our airline partners continue to impress us with their commitment to reduce their noise and emissions impacts.
“This quarter, Oman Air has completely transformed their Heathrow operations with their new top-of-the-range Dreamliner fleet.
“This investment is a win-win-win as it benefits their passengers, the environment and our local communities – and shows how being a responsible, environmentally-conscious company can also be good for business.”
Oman Air UK country manager Kelpesh Patel added: “As an airline we have significantly invested in modernising our fleet launching our Boeing 787 Dreamliners on our double daily London Heathrow service.
“The aircraft is quieter and more efficient helping us to operate a route that emphasizes our commitment not only to Heathrow airport but also to improving our environmental footprint.”