Expert: Dreamliner launch positive, but perspective is needed

Date: 22/7/2010

Greener planes are welcome, but the arrival of the new Dreamliner needs to be put into perspective, one expert has suggested.

Joe Ryle, spokesman for Plane Stupid, said the new aircraft - which emits less carbon dioxide compared to its traditional counterparts - is a step in the right direction.

However, he stated the mode of transport still uses a lot more fuel than what would be expended by making a journey by train.

"Airline fleets take decades to replace, so aviation will continue to pump millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere with or without the Dreamliner," he added.

Mr Ryle noted the aviation industry will carry on campaigning against any airport expansions, as these would cancel out the benefits of quieter, greener jets.

The specialist's comments come after the Dreamliner recently made its debut at Farnborough Airport, in conjunction with the area's annual air show.

According to Boeing, the craft uses 20 per cent less fuel than similar sized planes and British Airways has placed an order for 24 to use them for long-haul flights.

Posted by Nick Anderson