Thursday, December 21, 2023
SriLankan Airlines is set to make history in South Asia by becoming one of the pioneering airlines in the region to implement eco-friendly carpets on its aircraft, following a successful trial period. The introduction of these sustainable carpets, procured from Lantal Textiles in Switzerland, marks a significant milestone for SriLankan Airlines in its ongoing commitment to reducing its carbon footprint through gradual enhancements in fuel efficiency.
Expressing enthusiasm about this eco-friendly initiative, Maria Sathasivam, Manager of Product Development at SriLankan Airlines, stated, “We are thrilled to introduce sustainable carpets on our aircraft, taking a significant step towards aligning our in-flight experience with the evolving expectations of environmentally conscious travelers. Recognizing the growing awareness among travelers and businesses regarding ethical and sustainable choices, SriLankan Airlines looks forward to integrating more environmentally friendly solutions into its operations in the future.”
These eco-friendly carpets, crafted from regenerated nylon derived from materials that would typically end up in landfills, such as abandoned ocean fishing nets (ghost nets), aquaculture nylon waste, used carpet waste, used fabric waste, and fabric scraps from mills, represent a green technology that minimizes landfill waste. Not only do they contribute to environmental conservation, but their production process also consumes significantly fewer resources, including crude oil, water, and energy, compared to the manufacture of conventional virgin nylon.
The lightweight design of these carpets will not only enhance the overall in-flight experience but also contribute to reducing the weight of the aircraft, subsequently lowering fuel costs. Once the entire fleet is equipped with these eco-friendly carpets, SriLankan Airlines anticipates an annual saving of approximately LKR 21 million in jet fuel consumption. This reduction in fuel usage will further allow the airline to diminish its yearly carbon footprint by an estimated 248.79 tons.
SriLankan Airlines’ commitment to environmental sustainability is multifaceted, encompassing initiatives focused on carbon footprint reduction, waste management, biodiversity conservation, and environmental compliance. The airline has a history of environmental leadership, having introduced ‘Planet Friendly Flights’ in 2009 and being recognized as the second lowest carbon-emitting airline in the Asia-Pacific region in 2016 by Business Traveller. In a recent accolade, the airline’s signature upcycle project, ‘Mathaka,’ secured the Best Aviation Sustainability Program Award at the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Aviation Awards in December 2022, triumphing over 118 other submissions.
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