airberlin Modernises Container Fleet

First environmentally-friendly lightweight containers in operation
Emission reduction of 1,100 tonnes per year expected

2012-08-02 — /travelprnews.com/ — airberlin is modernising its container fleet and will be utilising lightweight containers to transport freight and baggage for the first time. Over 750 will be successively changed to lightweight units. Their use reduces the actual flight weight by 200 kilogrammes, saving about 30,000 litres of fuel per year per aircraft. Including all operational lightweight containers in the calculation, this corresponds to an environmental release of 1,100 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.

Jettainer, the world’s leading provider of load device management, have made it possible to use new lightweight containers on Airbus A330-300 and A330-200 long-haul flights. The company will manage the implementation of cargo containers for Germany’s second largest airline. Jettainer has already been working closely with airberlin partner Etihad Airways, thus creating logistical synergies for both airlines – particularly at the Berlin, Dusseldorf, Abu Dhabi and New York hubs.

A cargo container completes an average of 90,000 flight operations per year. In addition to luggage, airberlin’s containers also transport cargo known as “belly cargo” in the belly of passenger aircraft.

“Wherever weight can be reasonably reduced, we use less fuel and lessen the burden on the environment,” said Helmut Himmelreich, Chief Operating Officer for airberlin. “The lightweight containers are a new component in our “eco-efficient flying” measures, which we will expand this year to achieve our goal of a specific fuel consumption of 3.4 litres per 100 passenger kilometres.”

“We are proud to be responsible for the global management and maintenance of airberlin’s load device fleet. The consequent use of our modern lightweight containers will not only reduce costs for airberlin, but will also lead to a significant reduction in emissions,” said Alexander Plümacher, Managing Director of Jettainer GmbH.

In addition to their advantageous weight, lightweight containers boast new materials and substances. Thus, the containers have increased strength, greater durability and lower maintenance requirements. This leads to a longer life and significantly higher operating frequency. In case withdrawal is necessary, the lightweight containers are completely recyclable.

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