Bangkok--10 May--Thai Airways
Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) has recently joined the Asia and South Pacific Initiative to Reduce Emissions (ASPIRE), which is designed to make aircraft operations more efficient in order to reduce aviation greenhouse gas emissions.
On 5th May 2011, THAI and the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand LTD (AEROTHAI) held a press conference to announce the signing of an “ASPIRE Flight” agreement. The event was presided by Flying Officer Naruj Komalarajun, THAI’s Vice President of Operations Support Department, and Mr. Aphinun Vannangkura, AEROTHAI’s Vice President of Air Traffic Management. The agreement aims to promote efficient use of fuel to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
THAI ASPIRE Flight, under the cooperation between THAI and AEROTHAI, is a demonstration of a “perfect flight” on international routes, aiming to save fuel consumption and be environmentally friendly by utilizing the most efficient, advanced technologies and procedures, according to the policies of Ministry of Transportation and Communications. The demonstration roundtrip flight from Bangkok to Auckland during 5-8 May is also in celebration of His Majesty the King’s 84th Birthday Anniversary on December 5, as well as the Ministry of Transportation and Communications’ 100th Anniversary.
Flying Officer Naruj Komalarajun said that The ASPIRE Flight is a good opportunity to demonstrate THAI’s fuel management, which has been implemented since 2008, reducing unnecessary weight on aircraft and reducing carbon dioxide or greenhouse gas emissions. On this occasion, THAI operated Boeing 777-200 ER, preparing the aircraft with an engine wash to help reduce fuel consumption by 0.6% and an airframe wash for aerodynamic efficiency. THAI expects that best practices will decrease fuel consumption around 2% per flight. The success of THAI ASPIRE Flight will support flight operation standards that generate effective fuel consumption and reduce carbon dioxide emission. At the same time, this will emphasize THAI’s environmental responsibilities.