American Airlines, first to join Climate Leaders

American Airlines said that it will become part of the Climate Leaders scheme to commit to conscientious environmental business methods, making it the first big passenger airline to join the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) program.

The Climate Leaders programme is collaboration between government and industry, to create wide reaching plans against global warming for the future.

Members pledge reductions in their effect on the world’s environment.

They fix bold carbon reduction targets for the next five to 10 years and submit progress reports to the EPA each year.

The airline plans to concentrate on cutting its carbon footprint by lower annual fuel consumption.

It will change to fuel efficient Boeing 737-800s and in their office buildings will set the temperature at an energy efficient level, improve insulation and use energy efficient light bulbs.

It aims to cut emissions by 30% over the coming sixteen years.

Peggy Sterling, Vice President, Safety, Security, & Environmental said joining Climate Leaders updates an enduring obligation by American Airlines to protect the planet’s environment.

American Airlines will not deviate from its assurance to cut its effect on the environment.

Kathleen Hogan, Director of EPA’s Climate Protection Partnerships, welcomed the airline to the scheme.

She said EPA is keen to collaborate in setting their strategy and cutting their footprint.