Southwest Airlines launches eco-friendly prototype fleet

Major American carrier, Southwest Airlines, has launched a prototype airplane that combines fuel efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Top Southwest officials hope that the new airplane would help make the airline’s cabin more environmentally friendly, while providing passengers the same comfort and services.

The primary focus of the new Southwest project is to use eco-friendly materials and products on board. The most prominent material used in the new Boeing 737-700 green plane is the 100 per cent recyclable, wear proof InterfaceFLOR carpet, which requires minimal cleaning and maintenance. Instead of plastic, the fleet also utilizes passenger rub strips made from aluminium to reduce waste.

Southwest is currently testing two new seat covers on the aircraft’s leather seats, which are believed to offer better durability while reducing the seat’s weight by about two pounds. The first upholstery product, e-Leather, is a scratch-resistant seat cover made from recycled materials. On the other side of the aisle, seats are covered with the IZIT Leather, a lightweight, calfskin-like material that has the durability and appearance of luxurious leather.

Changing the materials used on the air carrier’s life vest pouches and foam fills has made further one pound weight reduction. When combined, all of the prototype airplane’s new elements resulted to a weight savings of about five pounds per seat, thus cutting back fuel and decreasing carbon emissions.

In addition to the eco-friendly Boeing fleet, Southwest launches a robust recycling programme within the company. Gary Kelly, Chairman, President and CEO of Southwest Airlines, said that the airline company is proud to lead the aviation industry in carbon footprint reductions through fuel efficiency.