Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has implemented a series of initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable water management practices across its operations and aligning with its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the airport said in a statement.
CSMIA has been monitoring and managing its water consumption levels. In the fiscal year 2022-23, the airport consumed approximately 8,79,811 megalitres of water and recycled 2,92,861 megalitres of water, representing 33% of its total consumption for the year. In the following fiscal year 2023-24. CSMIA consumed approximately 8,36,393 megalitres of water so far and recycled 3,51,724 megalitres, accounting for 42% of total water consumption so far.
The installation of waterless urinals across both terminals of the airport have significantly cut down water usage resulting in substantial water savings. Furthermore, water flow reducers have been installed in the jet sprays of water closets, leading to a 50% reduction in water consumption for various uses. Additionally, tap aerators have been deployed in washbasins equipped with press or handle taps, resulting in a 40% reduction in water usage. The installation of sensor taps has further contributed to water conservation efforts, saving approximately one-third of water consumption per use.
CSMIA has also implemented innovative solutions to optimize water usage in landscaping. For instance, the green areas within Terminal 2 are maintained using drip irrigation systems, which efficiently distribute water to plants while minimizing wastage. CSMIA effectively utilizes the treated sewage by repurposing it for flushing and cooling purposes within the terminal buildings. This facilitates in reducing the demand for freshwater and minimizes the discharge of wastewater into the environment, contributing to water conservation efforts. To further bolster its water conservation efforts, CSMIA has invested in enhancing its rainwater harvesting infrastructure. Rainwater pits have been strategically constructed across the airside and near terminal buildings to recharge the groundwater table.
In addition to these initiatives, CSMIA has embarked on an afforestation project in the village of Tetavali since 2017, in collaboration with the non-governmental organization Hariyali. As part of this project, a dam with three water-holding bunds has been constructed, with a total capacity of approximately 3.5 lakh litres. The harvested water from these bunds, totalling approximately 24.5 lakh litres, is utilized for various purposes in the degraded forest area, contributing to ecosystem restoration and water conservation efforts.
Read next
Malaysia Airlines has signed a strategic, multi-year partnership with the Manchester United football club as its official commercial airline.
Through this partnership, Malaysia Airlines is poised to extend its renowned Malaysian Hospitality to Manchester United’s vast community of over 1.1 billion fans and followers worldwide by leveraging co-branded marketing initiatives to boost brand recognition to a diverse global audience, while delivering quality service and immersive experiences associated with both brands, the airline said in a statement.
At the same event held in tandem with MATTA Fair 2024, Malaysia Airlines also announced the launch of flights to three new destinations to Malé, Maldives (MLE), Da Nang, Vietnam (DAD) and Chiang Mai, Thailand (CNX).
The airline will provide enhanced connectivity from its main hub in Kuala Lumpur with new direct flights to MLE, DAD and CNX with tickets available for sale beginning 22 March 2024. The airline will commence its daily flights to MLE beginning 1 August 2024; daily flights to DAD beginning 24 September 2024 and five times weekly flights to CNX beginning 15 August 2024.
This will mark the airline’s 13th destination in South Asia and 16th in ASEAN as it seeks to boost its presence within key markets, strengthening its position as the gateway to Asia and beyond in line with its commercial elevation journey. As a member of the oneworld alliance, Malaysia Airlines currently offers connectivity to more than 900 destinations in 170 territories across the globe.
In the same event, the airline also unveiled its new A330neo Business Class and Economy Class seats as part of its fleet modernisation plan, ahead of the first aircraft’s scheduled delivery in Q3 2024. The new A330neo cabin will feature many ‘firsts’ for the airline. Among those is the introduction of the Collins Aerospace Elevation Business Class seats, featuring an all-suite cabin with individual privacy doors, as well as wireless charging pods available at all 28 of the Business Class seats.
Meanwhile, the Recaro CL3810 Economy Class seats feature an ergonomic design and enhanced support, coupled with thoughtful amenities such as coat hooks, cup holder and ample stowage for added cabin comfort and practicality. The seat covers throughout the cabin will feature the airline’s signature songket motif, paying homage to Malaysia’s cultural heritage by seamlessly blending tradition with contemporary style. The A330neo will comprise 297 seats (28 in Business Class and 269 in Economy Class, of which 24 seats come with extra legroom).
Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, Group Managing Director of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), said, “Malaysia Airlines has undergone a chequered journey over the last decade, however through it all, our resilience has remained steadfast. Having stabilised our balance sheet and recording our strongest-ever financial year performance since the past decade, we are now in a stronger position to steer our focus towards accelerating investments into our product and service delivery to elevate the customer experience.
With our Manchester United collaboration, the expansion of our network to three new routes, and the unveiling of the new cabin seats on our new A330neo; this sets the benchmark of exciting things to come as we redefine what it means to travel onboard Malaysian Hospitality. These milestones not only set a new standard in the airline’s transformation journey but also promise a future filled with unparalleled experiences beyond the confines of the aircraft. As we move forward, our focus remains unwavering on delivering excellence and fostering continued growth, ensuring that every aspect of our service exceeds expectations and leaves a lasting impression for our valued passengers.”
Read next
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) joined the global movement for Earth Hour 2024 on March 23rd, with a symbolic gesture of turning off non-essential lights for 60 minutes at various intervals.
During Earth Hour, non-essential lights at the airport were switched off between 20:30hrs to 21:30hrs in a phased manner in areas including the Juliet apron, Runway 32, Duty-Free departure, and arrival, as well as international and domestic lounges, the airport said.
Various on-ground teams including E&M, Apron, Terminal Operations, Environment, Non-aero commercial, Duty-Free lounge, and MLCP were actively involved and closely monitoring the entire duration of the activity with close coordination internally, ensuring smooth execution and adherence to safety protocols during Earth Hour.
"This initiative underscores CSMIA's commitment to sustainability, aiming to raise awareness and encourage sustainable practices among stakeholders and the community. Through this effort, CSMIA aims to demonstrate its dedication to environmental responsibility while maintaining the highest standards of operational efficiency. This activity did not impact flight operations from the airport," the airport added.
Earth Hour is an annual initiative by the World Wide Fund (WWF). The occasion is a symbolic gesture to promote environmental preservation and sustainability. The Earth Hour will span a duration of one hour from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
While raising a call for this collective commitment to the planet, WWF in a social media post on X (formerly Twitter) stated, “This year for #earthhour, we’re calling on you to spend an hour of your time doing something positive for our planet between now and Earth Day on April 22nd."
Read next
Air Transat, a prominent Canadian carrier, finds itself navigating turbulent skies as it grapples with the grounding of several aircraft due to Pratt & Whitney engine issues. In response to these challenges, the airline has embarked on strategic maneuvers to mitigate the impact on its operations and maintain its service levels. Let's delve into the details of Air Transat's fleet situation and the measures it's undertaking to overcome these hurdles.
Fleet Woes and Expansion Plans
Amidst the backdrop of Pratt & Whitney engine problems affecting its Airbus A321-200NX(LR) aircraft, Air Transat has taken proactive steps to bolster its fleet capacity. Chief Executive Annick Guérard revealed during an earnings call that the airline has secured the lease of three additional Airbus A330s to address its network requirements and alleviate the strain caused by the groundings.
Currently, four of Air Transat's aircraft remain grounded due to the Pratt & Whitney situation, with expectations of this number rising to six by the end of 2024 and potentially eight by 2025. In a bid to fortify its fleet, the airline is set to integrate its final four new Airbus A321neo (LR) aircraft in the coming months, culminating in a total fleet size of 19 aircraft. Additionally, Air Transat anticipates receiving four Airbus A321-200NY(XLR) once the variant attains certification.
Strategies and Mitigation Efforts
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Air Transat has implemented various strategies to offset the repercussions of the groundings and maintain operational continuity. These measures include extending leases on existing aircraft, engaging in short-term lease agreements, and enhancing fleet optimization practices.
The airline's commitment to adapting to the challenges is evident in its financial planning. Despite the setbacks, Air Transat aims to navigate through the storm by reducing its planned capacity increase for fiscal 2024 from 19% to 13%. The decision reflects the pragmatic approach taken by the airline in balancing operational constraints with long-term sustainability.
Financial Implications and Cost Escalation
The impact of the groundings reverberates through Air Transat's financial landscape, with costs escalating due to engine-related issues and expensive lease agreements. Aircraft leases witnessed a notable increase of CAD 4.8 million Canadian dollars (USD 3.5 million) in the first quarter of 2024, primarily attributed to factors stemming from the Pratt & Whitney engine problems.
Fleet Composition and Transition
A glance at Air Transat's fleet composition reveals a diverse mix of in-house aircraft and wet-leases, encompassing Airbus A320s, A321s, A330s, Boeing 737s, and a Dash 8-300(MPA). With plans to reduce its "medium-haul" narrowbody fleet to eight during the upcoming summer season, Air Transat signals the impending phase-out of its last remaining Airbus A320-200, symbolizing a strategic shift in its operational focus.
Conclusion
As Air Transat navigates through a challenging period marked by fleet groundings and capacity adjustments, the airline remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering reliable service to passengers. Through strategic fleet expansions, mitigation efforts, and prudent financial management, Air Transat endeavors to overcome current obstacles and emerge stronger in the ever-evolving aviation landscape.
With Inputs from ch-aviation
Read next
In a recent legal battle, the Dutch flag carrier KLM found itself in hot water as a court ruled against its environmental advertising practices. The case, brought forward by the Dutch environmental organization "Fossielvrij" (Fossil Free), accused KLM of greenwashing – a term used to describe misleading environmental claims. The ruling by the district court of Amsterdam sheds light on the increasing scrutiny faced by airlines over their sustainability messaging.
The Ruling & KLM's Response
The district court of Amsterdam sided with Fossielvrij, stating that KLM had engaged in misleading advertising through its "Fly Responsibly" campaign. The court highlighted that the airline's claims regarding the environmental impact of flying were vague and lacked substantiation. While the ruling did not mandate KLM to retract its advertisements, nor did it impose financial penalties, it did serve as a warning for the airline to ensure accuracy and transparency in future communications regarding environmental issues.
Following the court's decision, KLM publicly acknowledged the ruling on its website. The airline expressed its commitment to honesty and transparency in sustainability communication, stating that it was pleased the court had affirmed its ability to continue such communication. KLM emphasized its dedication to learning and improving its approach to sustainability, indicating a willingness to engage with customers and partners on this journey.
Broader Implications & Conclusion
The ruling against KLM is not an isolated incident but rather part of a growing trend of legal challenges against airlines for greenwashing. In 2023, the UK's Advertising Standards Agency banned advertisements from several airlines, including Etihad, Air France, and Lufthansa, citing misrepresentation of environmental claims. These cases underscore the importance of accountability and accuracy in sustainability messaging within the aviation industry.
The recent ruling against KLM serves as a reminder that greenwashing practices are under increasing scrutiny, with legal consequences for those found misleading consumers. As environmental concerns become more prominent, airlines must prioritize transparency and accountability in their sustainability communications. This case highlights the evolving landscape of environmental advertising regulation and the need for airlines to align their actions with their messaging. Ultimately, it prompts the question: Is greenwashing taking flight, and will the aviation industry rise to the challenge of genuine sustainability?
Read next
The aviation industry, much like many others, has weathered unprecedented challenges in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, amidst turbulence, the Japan Airlines (JAL) Group has charted a course towards prosperity with the release of its Rolling Plan 2024, a strategic roadmap that promises to not only surpass pre-pandemic levels but also embrace sustainability in a rapidly evolving world.
Surpassing Expectations: A Vision for Growth
In a bold move, the JAL Group foresees soaring profits that surpass both previous estimates and pre-pandemic levels. The Rolling Plan 2024 forecasts a significant uptick in earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) for the financial year 2023, with an estimated Y140 billion ($924 million), marking a substantial increase from its prior projection of Y130 billion ($858 million). Notably, this projection stands tall above the Y132 billion ($871 million) profit achieved in 2019, underscoring the Group's resilience and adaptability.
Looking ahead, the Group envisions a trajectory of sustained growth, with profits expected to ascend to Y170 billion ($1.1 billion) in FY2024 and further to Y200 billion ($1.3 billion) in FY2025. However, these ambitions are not without their fair share of challenges.
Navigating New Skies: Challenges and Opportunities
While the JAL Group charts its course towards profitability, it does not discount the hurdles looming on the horizon. The aviation landscape grapples with a confluence of uncertainties, ranging from unstable global conditions to escalating prices and a shortage of human resources. Notably, the onset of the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) poses a new challenge, necessitating operators to offset their CO2 emissions, thus adding to operational costs.
Embracing Sustainability: A Commitment to ESG
Amidst challenges, the JAL Group remains steadfast in its commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. Recognizing the imperative of reducing carbon emissions, the Group pledges to integrate ESG strategies into its business model reforms, fostering resilience and growth potential. Central to this commitment is the introduction of fuel-efficient aircraft like the Airbus A350, aimed at reducing the environmental footprint while maintaining and expanding networks.
By FY2025, the JAL Group envisions a fleet of 11 A350-1000s operating on key routes to the US and Europe, marking a significant stride towards sustainability. Moreover, the Group endeavors to stimulate outbound tourism demand in collaboration with tourism bureaus and travel agencies, fostering economic growth while minimizing environmental impact.
Charting the Course Ahead: Towards Sustainable Skies
As the aviation industry navigates the complexities of a post-pandemic world, the JAL Group stands poised at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. With ambitious profit targets and a steadfast commitment to ESG principles, the Group embarks on a journey towards a future where profitability harmonizes with environmental stewardship. As the skies beckon towards new horizons, the JAL Group charts a course that transcends challenges, paving the way for a sustainable and prosperous future in aviation.
Comment