Factsheet shows trains are no greener than turboprops
23rd September, 2008 – VLM Airlines published a factsheet to dispel the myth that flying within the UK and on short-haul services to Europe is more damaging to the environment than high-speed trains.
The document, entitled ‘Setting the Record Straight’ uses independent data to show that aircraft operating domestic and short-haul air links can be greener per passenger than high-speed trains connecting the same cities.
In the document VLM Airlines, which flies a fleet of fuel-efficient Fokker 50 turboprop aircraft, argues that rail operators are not taking into account the true environmental impact of their services.
They do this by ignoring the hidden energy burden of their operations. This includes the carbon footprint of the power generation for their services, the huge loss of power during transmission and the massive environmental footprint of constructing, updating and operating railway lines.
When these factors are taken into account sources including SANE, the independent non-governmental organisation (NGO), say that the true average CO2 emissions figures for a regional aircraft would be 96 grams of CO2 per passenger kilometre. The figure for a car with two passengers is 140 grams of CO2 per passenger kilometre and for a high-speed train it is 150 grams – 56 per cent higher than that of a regional aircraft.
The factsheet was published ahead of the unveiling by VLM Airlines of a special ‘Green Machine’ liveried Fokker 50 that will fly on services into London City and Manchester airports.
“While the future of the environment is of utmost concern to all of us, we are alarmed by the growing perception that flying is dirty and rail is green – particularly as it is often untrue,” said Johan Vanneste, Managing Director of VLM Airlines. "Packaged as an environmental measure, the Government is now planning an unfair tax on aviation that does not take account of different aircraft types being operated. Nor does is consider that it is often greener to fly on domestic services than to travel on a heavily subsidised rail network.”
VLM Airlines is a full service regional airline offering a wide range of high-frequency flights throughout the UK and Benelux.
It flies from London City to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Brussels, Hamburg, Antwerp, Luxembourg, Manchester, Jersey and the Isle of Man. From Manchester, there are daily links to Antwerp and Rotterdam.
The airline’s priority is to offer fast and frequent services. With over 70 per cent of its passengers travelling for business purposes, VLM Airlines understands the demands of travelling professionals. Passengers carrying hand luggage only, can check in just 15 minutes before departure at its London City airport hub.
Once on board, passengers can enjoy a full in-flight service with complimentary sandwiches and beverages.
VLM Airlines’ fleet of fuel-efficient Fokker 50 turboprop aircraft are being fitted with new ergonomic kevlar seats, with a unique reclining function enabling the entire seat to tilt back, offering a more comfortable position which is proven to be ergonomically better.
For more information, visit www.flyvlm.com
- Ends -
About VLM Airlines
VLM Airlines commenced operations in 1993. It currently offers flights from London City to Amsterdam, Antwerp, Brussels, the Isle of Man, Jersey, Luxembourg, Manchester and Rotterdam. Direct flights are also offered from Manchester to both Antwerp and Rotterdam and from Rotterdam to Hamburg. During the summer direct flights are operated from Rotterdam to Jersey and Guernsey. VLM Airlines also organises charter flights to various European destinations.
In 2006 the company recorded its ninth consecutive year of profitability. VLM Airlines currently employs over 425 people. In 2007 the number of passengers on VLM Airlines’ flights rose by 9% compared to 2006 to over 745,000 passengers.
In December 2007, VLM Airlines was bought by the Air France – KLM Group.
For more information, visit www.flyvlm.com
SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT
Air travel is continually portrayed as the least environmentally friendly form of transportation, with trains and other forms of transport regularly described as a greener way to travel.
This is not always true....
This document attempts to set the record straight, stating a few simple facts about the true impact of flying, and dispelling a few myths that are too often believed.
The Facts
Aircraft are one of the lowest sources of CO2.
Aircraft produce just 2% of global C02 emissions. Road transport, by contrast, produces 18% and shipping 6%.
Sources: IATA, IPCC (International Panel on Climate Change), Stern Report,
Aircraft are fuel efficient
Over the past 40 years, aircraft have become 7 times more fuel efficient. The Fokker 50 turboprop aircraft consumes just 3.24 litres per passenger 100kms – less than a Smart car which consumes 4.70 litres, whilst travelling at five times the speed.
Sources: IATA, SANE, Fokker/Pratt & Whitney, Smart Car website
The Myths
Planes are more polluting than trains
The operators of high speed trains often claim that they emit considerably less CO2 than planes. Their claims are often unaudited, and based on questionable logic. For example, Eurostar’s comparative figures for air travel claim that CO2 emissions for a flight from London-Brussels are almost double those of a London-Paris flight – an unusual assertion given that the routes are of a similar length. Source: Eurostar
On a short range journey of around 500kms, typical of those operated by VLM Airlines and its competitors, a high-speed train emits around 99 grams of CO2 per passenger km, whilst a regional airline aircraft emits around 95 grams of CO2 per passenger kilometre.
Source: SANE (Sustainable Aviation Network Europe)
Emissions Figures Take Account of Infrastructural Development
Figures on emissions can be misleading as they often fail to include the Hidden Energy Burden (HEB) - the energy needed to build vehicles and to construct railways, roads or runways. To put this in context, cement production accounts for 4% of worldwide CO2 emissions, so HEB can make a significant difference.
Source: SANE
It is estimated that whilst the HEB for aircraft operations is around 1%, the figure for car use is 40% and for high speed trains is 50%.
Taking this into account, the true average CO2 emissions figures on a 500kms journey are estimated to be 96 grams of CO2 per passenger kilometre for a regional airline aircraft, 140 grams for a car (with two passengers), 150 grams for a high speed train and around 270 grams for a car with one passenger.
Source: SANE
Some Other Considerations
High speed train operators such as Eurostar claim ‘green energy’ credentials by contracting supply from nuclear power station operator British Energy. However, the closure of some of their nuclear power stations, their increased reliance on fossil fuel generating capacity, and the simple fact that all rail-used electricity is delivered via the mixed-source National Grid means that power supplied to UK rail operators including Virgin Trains and Eurostar is predominantly produced in high-emissions fossil-fuel Power Stations. In view of this, independent academic sources suggest the carbon impact of electricity as supplied for train operation could be increased by a minimum of 30%. In the case of Eurostar in the UK, there is a logical argument to increase this by a significantly larger factor under current circumstances.
Sources: British Energy, media reports
Transfer Electricity from a power station to a distant point-of-use, and a significant percentage of that electricity power will be wasted – increasing emissions of CO2 attributable to the power used. Some authorities such as Professor John Miles of the School of Engineering at Cardiff University suggest 80% of electricity generated is wasted before it arrives at point-of-use. Ofgen calculates only 7% is lost. Either way, the loss of energy is substantial – yet it is not taken into account in calculations of emissions related to high-speed rail travel.
Sources: Cardiff University, Ofgen
About SANE
SANE, the Sustainable Aviation Network Europe, is an independent NGO. It realises that aviation is an essential part of the infrastructure of modern society. Aviation should therefore be accommodated as needed, but it should leave an environmental footprint that is as low as is reasonably achievable. SANE advocates and supports public policy that effectively addresses both issues. SANE assists policymakers by providing reliable and ready-to-use information about aviation.
For more information, visit www.sane-europe.eu
About VLM Airlines
VLM Airlines operates a fleet of environmentally friendly Fokker 50 turboprop aircraft. It operates a network of high-frequency, short haul, routes from London City Airport to major cities such as Brussels, Amsterdam, Manchester, Rotterdam Antwerp.
Providing time-saving travel solutions to business travellers from the UK and Benelux, VLM Airlines provides a quick and environmentally friendly alternative to high speed train services.
For more information, visit www.flyvlm.com
23rd September, 2008 – VLM Airlines published a factsheet to dispel the myth that flying within the UK and on short-haul services to Europe is more damaging to the environment than high-speed trains.
The document, entitled ‘Setting the Record Straight’ uses independent data to show that aircraft operating domestic and short-haul air links can be greener per passenger than high-speed trains connecting the same cities.
In the document VLM Airlines, which flies a fleet of fuel-efficient Fokker 50 turboprop aircraft, argues that rail operators are not taking into account the true environmental impact of their services.
They do this by ignoring the hidden energy burden of their operations. This includes the carbon footprint of the power generation for their services, the huge loss of power during transmission and the massive environmental footprint of constructing, updating and operating railway lines.
When these factors are taken into account sources including SANE, the independent non-governmental organisation (NGO), say that the true average CO2 emissions figures for a regional aircraft would be 96 grams of CO2 per passenger kilometre. The figure for a car with two passengers is 140 grams of CO2 per passenger kilometre and for a high-speed train it is 150 grams – 56 per cent higher than that of a regional aircraft.
The factsheet was published ahead of the unveiling by VLM Airlines of a special ‘Green Machine’ liveried Fokker 50 that will fly on services into London City and Manchester airports.
“While the future of the environment is of utmost concern to all of us, we are alarmed by the growing perception that flying is dirty and rail is green – particularly as it is often untrue,” said Johan Vanneste, Managing Director of VLM Airlines. "Packaged as an environmental measure, the Government is now planning an unfair tax on aviation that does not take account of different aircraft types being operated. Nor does is consider that it is often greener to fly on domestic services than to travel on a heavily subsidised rail network.”
VLM Airlines is a full service regional airline offering a wide range of high-frequency flights throughout the UK and Benelux.
It flies from London City to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Brussels, Hamburg, Antwerp, Luxembourg, Manchester, Jersey and the Isle of Man. From Manchester, there are daily links to Antwerp and Rotterdam.
The airline’s priority is to offer fast and frequent services. With over 70 per cent of its passengers travelling for business purposes, VLM Airlines understands the demands of travelling professionals. Passengers carrying hand luggage only, can check in just 15 minutes before departure at its London City airport hub.
Once on board, passengers can enjoy a full in-flight service with complimentary sandwiches and beverages.
VLM Airlines’ fleet of fuel-efficient Fokker 50 turboprop aircraft are being fitted with new ergonomic kevlar seats, with a unique reclining function enabling the entire seat to tilt back, offering a more comfortable position which is proven to be ergonomically better.
For more information, visit www.flyvlm.com
- Ends -
About VLM Airlines
VLM Airlines commenced operations in 1993. It currently offers flights from London City to Amsterdam, Antwerp, Brussels, the Isle of Man, Jersey, Luxembourg, Manchester and Rotterdam. Direct flights are also offered from Manchester to both Antwerp and Rotterdam and from Rotterdam to Hamburg. During the summer direct flights are operated from Rotterdam to Jersey and Guernsey. VLM Airlines also organises charter flights to various European destinations.
In 2006 the company recorded its ninth consecutive year of profitability. VLM Airlines currently employs over 425 people. In 2007 the number of passengers on VLM Airlines’ flights rose by 9% compared to 2006 to over 745,000 passengers.
In December 2007, VLM Airlines was bought by the Air France – KLM Group.
For more information, visit www.flyvlm.com
SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT
Air travel is continually portrayed as the least environmentally friendly form of transportation, with trains and other forms of transport regularly described as a greener way to travel.
This is not always true....
This document attempts to set the record straight, stating a few simple facts about the true impact of flying, and dispelling a few myths that are too often believed.
The Facts
Aircraft are one of the lowest sources of CO2.
Aircraft produce just 2% of global C02 emissions. Road transport, by contrast, produces 18% and shipping 6%.
Sources: IATA, IPCC (International Panel on Climate Change), Stern Report,
Aircraft are fuel efficient
Over the past 40 years, aircraft have become 7 times more fuel efficient. The Fokker 50 turboprop aircraft consumes just 3.24 litres per passenger 100kms – less than a Smart car which consumes 4.70 litres, whilst travelling at five times the speed.
Sources: IATA, SANE, Fokker/Pratt & Whitney, Smart Car website
The Myths
Planes are more polluting than trains
The operators of high speed trains often claim that they emit considerably less CO2 than planes. Their claims are often unaudited, and based on questionable logic. For example, Eurostar’s comparative figures for air travel claim that CO2 emissions for a flight from London-Brussels are almost double those of a London-Paris flight – an unusual assertion given that the routes are of a similar length. Source: Eurostar
On a short range journey of around 500kms, typical of those operated by VLM Airlines and its competitors, a high-speed train emits around 99 grams of CO2 per passenger km, whilst a regional airline aircraft emits around 95 grams of CO2 per passenger kilometre.
Source: SANE (Sustainable Aviation Network Europe)
Emissions Figures Take Account of Infrastructural Development
Figures on emissions can be misleading as they often fail to include the Hidden Energy Burden (HEB) - the energy needed to build vehicles and to construct railways, roads or runways. To put this in context, cement production accounts for 4% of worldwide CO2 emissions, so HEB can make a significant difference.
Source: SANE
It is estimated that whilst the HEB for aircraft operations is around 1%, the figure for car use is 40% and for high speed trains is 50%.
Taking this into account, the true average CO2 emissions figures on a 500kms journey are estimated to be 96 grams of CO2 per passenger kilometre for a regional airline aircraft, 140 grams for a car (with two passengers), 150 grams for a high speed train and around 270 grams for a car with one passenger.
Source: SANE
Some Other Considerations
High speed train operators such as Eurostar claim ‘green energy’ credentials by contracting supply from nuclear power station operator British Energy. However, the closure of some of their nuclear power stations, their increased reliance on fossil fuel generating capacity, and the simple fact that all rail-used electricity is delivered via the mixed-source National Grid means that power supplied to UK rail operators including Virgin Trains and Eurostar is predominantly produced in high-emissions fossil-fuel Power Stations. In view of this, independent academic sources suggest the carbon impact of electricity as supplied for train operation could be increased by a minimum of 30%. In the case of Eurostar in the UK, there is a logical argument to increase this by a significantly larger factor under current circumstances.
Sources: British Energy, media reports
Transfer Electricity from a power station to a distant point-of-use, and a significant percentage of that electricity power will be wasted – increasing emissions of CO2 attributable to the power used. Some authorities such as Professor John Miles of the School of Engineering at Cardiff University suggest 80% of electricity generated is wasted before it arrives at point-of-use. Ofgen calculates only 7% is lost. Either way, the loss of energy is substantial – yet it is not taken into account in calculations of emissions related to high-speed rail travel.
Sources: Cardiff University, Ofgen
About SANE
SANE, the Sustainable Aviation Network Europe, is an independent NGO. It realises that aviation is an essential part of the infrastructure of modern society. Aviation should therefore be accommodated as needed, but it should leave an environmental footprint that is as low as is reasonably achievable. SANE advocates and supports public policy that effectively addresses both issues. SANE assists policymakers by providing reliable and ready-to-use information about aviation.
For more information, visit www.sane-europe.eu
About VLM Airlines
VLM Airlines operates a fleet of environmentally friendly Fokker 50 turboprop aircraft. It operates a network of high-frequency, short haul, routes from London City Airport to major cities such as Brussels, Amsterdam, Manchester, Rotterdam Antwerp.
Providing time-saving travel solutions to business travellers from the UK and Benelux, VLM Airlines provides a quick and environmentally friendly alternative to high speed train services.
For more information, visit www.flyvlm.com
