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United
| Category: Brand Ratings -> Airline Companies -> United |
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United Average Fleet Age: 13 Greenopia Environment Achievement:
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Efforts: United is another airline that has been making a strong effort to reduce its environmental impact. One of the biggest boosts to United was its acquisition of Continental Airlines, who was always one of our top performers. One reason this acquisition was important was because it lowered the average fleet age of United and newer planes are usually more efficient in terms of their fuel consumption and emissions. United installs winglets on its planes and uses several other fuel saving measures in its operations including single engine taxiing, engine washing, and ground vehicles powered by electricity (as opposed to combustion engines). United is one of the few airlines that has completed flights solely with biofuels and offers a carbon offset service for its passengers. The offset service is pretty good, with a variety of projects (some good, like renewable energy generation, others not so good like reforestation). United also has one of the most comprehensive environmental reports. Finally, United has a comprehensive recycling program on its flights and offers several green food options. Issues: United has no LEED certified terminals or buildings that we were able to find, although it does incorporate LEED elements into its projects. Also, in spite of its acquisition of Continental, United’s fleet age is still on the old side and their relatively high emissions per revenue passenger mile reflect this. Greenopia Verdict: United is one of our top performers this year and could easily become the greenest overall airline as it gets newer and more efficient planes. |
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