A sustainability blueprint by Malaysia Airlines aims to achieve a target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Innovative savings are already yielding benefits in addition to deploying the fuel-efficient Airbus A350 aircraft on the London route.
The airline’s pilots use idle reverse thrust power while stopping the aircraft due to Heathrow’s long runway, allowing for 18KG of fuel to be saved per landing, which over the course of a month saves approximately 3,420KG of carbon dioxide.
This is in addition to taxiing the aircraft with one engine instead of two after landing, which can further save as much as 50KG of fuel or 158KG of carbon dioxide per flight.
Malaysia Airlines is also exploring carbon friendly technologies that are available at Heathrow such as electrical ground power to electric pushback of aircraft.
Parent company Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) aims to reduce overall CO2 emissions by 25 million kilogram this year. It also aims to reach 50% usage of biodegradable materials for in-flight operations coupled with 50% of ground and in-flight waste recycled and up-cycled by 2025 onwards.
A total of 66 initiatives are in various phases of implementation across 23 sustainability matters from five key focus areas – economic, governance, safety and security, environmental and social.
The group is also undertaking ‘sub-cycling’, a process of transforming waste items such as leather seats, lifejackets and uniforms into handbags, aprons, and toiletry bags.
UK and Europe regional manager Daniel Bainbridge said: “We recognise that customers are increasingly looking to purchase from brands that lead the way in sustainability, therefore sustainability needs to be at the forefront of our decision-making process, in delivering both socially responsible and environmentally focussed business practices.
“The sustainability blueprint introduced sets the direction for our business to make a notable and tangible difference.
“Championing sustainability is of the utmost importance to Malaysia Airlines, and will continue to remain so as we look forward to welcoming customers back with our warm Malaysian hospitality once travel restrictions ease.”