Posts

Dave

United invests $5 Million in algae-based fuel producer Viridos

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United wants to turn microalgae into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) through the first new investment of its recently announced UAV Sustainable Flight Fund since its launch: algae biofuel company Viridos.

This $5 million investment will support the production of SAF made from algae, an abundant and scalable resource that can be grown and harvested without impacting the food supply chain.

Viridos specialises in the bioengineering of microalgae and its proprietary technology accelerates the amount of oil that can be produced from microalgae. This algae oil could then be used to scale the future production of SAF.

SAF is an alternative to conventional jet fuel that, on a lifecycle basis, reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with air travel compared to conventional jet fuel alone.

SAF is made from used cooking oil and agricultural waste, and in the future could be made from other feedstocks, including household waste, forest waste or algae.

“Best tool we have to reduce our carbon emissions” – Mike Leskinen

To date, United Airlines has invested in the future production of over three billion gallons of SAF, which the airline claims is the most of any airline in the world.

United Airlines Ventures President Mike Leskinen said,

SAF is proven, scalable, and the best tool we have to reduce our carbon emissions from flying, but we face a significant shortage of available feedstock.

As the global aviation leader in SAF production investment United remains committed to reaching net zero carbon emissions, without relying on traditional carbon offsets, by 2050.

Viridos’ algae-based biofuel technology has the potential to help solve our supply problem without the need for farmland or other agricultural resources and marks our inaugural investment in our new cross-industry UAV Sustainable Flight Fund.

“The foundation for a biofuel future” – Viridos CEO Oliver Fetzer

Viridos, a biofuel company focused on decarbonising industries, is leading the bioengineering of microalgae and has already achieved seven times the oil productivity compared to typical wild-type algae.

This creates an opportunity for potentially scalable and more sustainable production of algae oil, that could later be used to produce SAF.

Oliver Fetzer, Viridos Chief Executive Officer said.

By establishing production sites to grow Viridos-engineered microalgae in saltwater, we are creating the foundation for a biofuel future that moves away from fossil fuels without competing for precious resources such as fresh water and arable land.

We are excited to have the support from United Airlines. Together we can build the ecosystem needed to bring algae biofuels to the market.

Based on current estimates, SAF created by Viridos’ algae oil is expected to have a 70% reduced carbon footprint on a lifecycle basis when compared to traditional jet fuel.


Dave

Travel industry leaders explain how they plan to meet their carbon targets

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This month, world leaders are gathering in Glasgow to determine policies and commitments to reduce global warming, reverse climate change and ameliorate the effects of greenhouse gas emissions. 

Leading the way in these efforts are some of the world’s leading airlines and travel suppliers, including Global Travel Management.  

We asked a number of airlines and travel companies to tell us how they intend to meet their emission targets.  And we asked them to do so in a very brief video clip.  Below, you can see each of the responses.  

First was British Airways who intend to meet their self-imposed target of net zero emissions by 2050 thanks to fuel efficient aircraft, carbon offsetting and sustainable aviation fuel. 

Lufthansa Group aims to cut its CO2 emissions by 50% by the end of this decade as a step to becoming net zero by 2050.  Kevin Young explains how passengers can select the way their preferred method of delivering these targets. 

United Airlines aims to become carbon neutral by 2050 by using sustainable aviation fuel, carbon sequestration and the use of new aeroplanes, including electric aircraft.  

Emirates intends to drive down CO2 emissions by the use of modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, as well as the use of more efficient logistical and operational techniques, such as the use of ground-supplied power where possible. 

Air Canada highlights aircraft and engine efficiency as the most important factor in driving down greenhouse gas emissions.

And it’s not just airlines that are driving down carbon emissions in the travel sector.  Travel data supplier Travelogix is on track to becoming net zero as soon as 2025, including the exclusive use of green, renewable energy across global data centres.  

We plant trees to offset carbon dioxide
Global Travel Management’s Carbon Offset Programme enables businesses to offset the carbon cost of their business travel by sponsoring reforestation efforts.
You can find out more about the GTM Carbon Offset Programme, above.


Dave

United reinstates some international flights…

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United Airlines has announced it will continue to fly six daily operations to and from a number of destinations in Europe, Asia, Australia, South America and the Middle East “in an effort to get customers where they need to be.

The airline has describe the situation as “fluid” but claims that “United continues to play a role in connecting people and uniting the world, especially in these challenging times”.

United Airlines flights continuing until and through May:

  • Newark/New York – Frankfurt (Flights 960/961)
  • Newark/New York – London (Flights 16/17)
  • Newark/New York – Tel Aviv (Flights 90/91)
  • Houston – Sao Paulo (Flights 62/63)
  • San Francisco – Tokyo-Narita (Flights 837/838)
  • San Francisco – Sydney (Flights 863/870)

In addition to the above, United Airlines has reinstated the following flights to help displaced customers who still need to get home.

Flights through until 27 March, outbound

  • Newark/New York – Amsterdam (Flights 70/71)
  • Newark/New York – Munich (Flights 30/31)
  • Newark/New York – Brussels (Flights 999/998)
  • Washington-Dulles – London (Flights 918/919)
  • San Francisco – Frankfurt (Flights 58/59)
  • Newark/New York – Sao Paulo (Flights 149/148)

Flights until 29 March, outbound

  • San Francisco – Seoul (Flights 893/892)

In destinations where government actions have barred the airline from flying, United Airlines are looking for ways to bring customers who have been impacted by travel restrictions back to the United States. This includes working with the U.S. State Department and the local governments to gain permission to operate service.

If you need help planning how to get home, contact your GTM Account Manager.

Natalie

United Airlines aims to put and end to jet lag… with an app

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United Airlines customers now have a new, scientific way to battle jet lag through a first-of-its-kind partnership with Timeshifter, an app that outlines the best time to see and avoid light, sleep and enjoy caffeine to adjust quickly to a new time zone.

All MileagePlus members receive access to a free Timeshifter jet lag plan and Premier 1K members receive a complimentary subscription with unlimited plans. The app is targeted at customers flying across three or more time zones and will be a helpful tool for them to manage their jet lag as they travel throughout United’s global route network.

Vice President of Loyalty and President of MileagePlus, Luc Bondar said:

We want to do everything we can to help improve the experience of travelling across time zones, whether it’s a business trip to Tel Aviv or a vacation to Tahiti, our customers should arrive feeling fresh and ready to hit the ground running.

Timeshifter takes all the guesswork out of avoiding jet lag and instead uses science and algorithms to design a customised, step-by-step trip across time zones. I was a believer the first time I used the app and I think our customers will love it too.


Timeshifter was developed by top researchers in sleep and circadian neuroscience and is aimed at customers crossing three or more time zones. The app uses an algorithm to customise plans for customers based on a number of factors including normal sleep pattern, flight details and individual preferences, creating a personalised jet lag alleviation plan.

MileagePlus members will receive a free jet lag plan for a flight plan of their choosing in addition to the complimentary trial Timeshifter offers customers for a total of two free flight plans. MileagePlus Premier 1K members will be able to sign up for complimentary annual subscriptions for unlimited access to jet lag plans when they travel.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management said:

One of the worst aspects of travelling on business is the horrendous effect of jet lag. United Airlines’ partnership with Timeshifter is a great way for passengers to prepare for and to mitigate and reduce the effects of jet lag.

I would encourage any Global Travel Management customer flying on United with the appropriate MileagePlus membership level to try out the app. Jet lag is worth avoiding!

United flies some of the longest routes in the world, including the two longest flights operated by US carriers; and this month, United will become the only airline to fly direct between North America and Cape Town. I will be interested to see how well our United customers alleviate jet lag on long haul trips using Timeshifter in the coming months.

If you’re planning to fly on United, speak to your GTM Account Manager to secure the best fares and we will make sure your Miles are accrued directly to your MileagePlus account.

Kelly

Spider-man stars in United Airlines safety video

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United Airlines will launch its latest in-flight safety demonstration video featuring Spider-Man in an entertaining mini-drama film, on 1 June.

In addition to the safety video, United’s broader promotional partnership with Sony Pictures in celebration of Spider-Man™: Far From Home, will include one-of-a-kind Spider-Man: Far From Home-themed Polaris business class amenity kits and unique experiences for MileagePlus members to see the highly-anticipated summer blockbuster through MileagePlus Exclusives.

The video highlights United’s enduring commitment to the safety of all employees and customers who are “far from home”. In addition to United employees providing instruction on what to do in the event of an emergency, the video features MileagePlus members who bid miles for the unique opportunity to appear in the video and special appearances by cast members from this summer’s highly anticipated film.

United’s Vice President of Marketing, Mark Krolick said:

For decades, Spider-Man has consistently shown the importance of using power to do good and to keep the public safe. We also believe that our greatest responsibility is to keep our customers and crew safe on board our aircraft

We are excited to have Spider-Man and his friends, along with our employees, bring new attention to the in-flight safety video and creatively engage customers on such an important announcement.

The video begins with villains entering a corner store and causing ‘turbulence’ with their disruption to Mr. Delmar, played by Hemky Madera. The deli scene includes a framed photo of Stan Lee, honouring the immense impact he had on the Marvel community.

Customers will also notice the updated United livery displayed on the animated 787-10 aircraft, prior to customers learning the locations of the exits.

Next, Peter Parker’s best friend Ned, played by Jacob Batalon, shares a scene with United CEO Oscar Munoz as the villains head into a nearby cinema to escape Spider-Man.

Spider-Man

In one of the final scenes, Eugene “Flash” Thompson, played by Toni Revolori, helps to demonstrate that cell phones and large devices should be put into “airplane” mode prior to take-off.

This fast-paced and entertaining video concludes with Spider-Man ensuring that everyone is safe and settled as their journey begins.

On Lee’s cameo, Gill Champion, President of Stan Lee’s POW! Entertainment went on to say:

Stan loved doing his cameos and would love to know they are continuing, so we were thrilled to work with Sony Pictures and United Airlines to make this happen for both Stan and the fans.

Beginning in June, United customers travelling in Polaris business class will receive a limited-edition Spider-Man: Far From Home themed amenity kit, which will feature Spidey-branded comfort products including an eye mask, socks, tissues, ear plugs, a toothbrush and a pen, alongside luxury skincare products, designed exclusively for United customers.

MileagePlus members are able to bid award miles on a one-of-a-kind experience to attend the Spider-Man: Far From Home premiere in Los Angeles on June 26. This opportunity will give a MileagePlus member access for two to attend the premiere, red carpet event and after-party. MileagePlus Members also have the ability to use miles to attend a pre-release screening of Spider-Man: Far From Home in one of United’s seven hub cities. 

Paul

Heathrow Terminal 2 To Open In One Year.

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Heathrow Airport will open its new Terminal 2 in less than a years time. The £2.5 billion facility will eventually serve 20 million passengers each year after opening its doors on June 4, 2014.

The first aircraft, a United Airlines flight from Chicago, is scheduled to land at 0555. Prior to the opening next June there will be six months of testing involving 14,000 people in 182 trials.

Terminal 2 will be home to 25,000 staff and 23 Star Alliance airlines, as well as Aer Lingus, Virgin Atlantic Little Red and Germanwings. It will open in phases, with the 26 airlines moving in over a period of six months. Just 10 per cent of flights will operate for the first three weeks of June before gradually building up to full operations.