Virgin - Branson unveils plan to make air travel greener

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Source:ETA

Branson unveils plan to make air travel greener
Date: 25 April 2007

Richard Branson has announced plans to make the Virgin Atlantic Airways' fleet of passenger aircraft more eco-friendly.

The entrepreneur has signed a deal with Boeing worth £4 billion which will see the aircraft manufacturer provide 43 Boeing Dreamliners, which use over a quarter less fuel per flight than Virgin's existing models.

Meanwhile, Boeing will work with engine manufacturer GE and Virgin on developing a biofuel - possibly using vegetables, soya and newspaper as recyclable energy sources - specifically designed for use in air travel.

Mr Branson said: "We all have a responsibility whether as airline owners, airline manufacturers, or engine makers to reduce that carbon footprint, which has grown over the years. Doing nothing should not be an option."

News of Virgin's plans follows an announcement from Air Canada that it is to up its order of Dreamliners to 37 from an initial figure of 14.