Emirates to launch Green San Francisco – Dubai Flight

It's being billed as the “the world’s longest green flight trial” - Emirates plans to launch non-stop San Francisco flights to Dubai (DXB) beginning Dec. 15.

This is the only non-stop flight to Dubai from the northern West Coast, but what makes this San Francisco flight even more intriguing is the array of ecological techniques Emirates plans to examine.

Among Emirates eco-initiatives:

- The Boeing 777 will be specially washed to minimize drag, which results in less fuel burn;
- Dubai Air Traffic Control will give the aircraft priority clearance for taxi and departure;
- A pre-planned priority departure route will provide unimpeded climb to cruise altitude, ascending to an optimum flight level as fast as possible thus resulting in fuel savings;
- Negotiations between Emirates and Russia will allow the 777 to take advantage of prevailing winds over Russia and Canada to find the most efficient flight path;
- The aircraft will track close to the North Pole for the most efficient routing;
- San Francisco Air Traffic Control will try to offer a “continuous descent” approach to minimize fuel burn;
- On-board glass, newspapers, aluminum, and paper will be recycled.

You may not notice these eco-saving initiatives en route, but every little bit helps, especially with an airplane the size of a Boeing 777.

© Cheapflights Ltd Jerry Chandler