Aer Lingus 2010 Annual Report Download - page 23

Annual Report 2010
Corporate Social Responsibility Statement Aer Lingus Group Plc 21
Air Emissions
Aer Lingus operates a focused “fuel
conservation plan” to minimise fuel burned
and the emission of greenhouse gases. This
plan harnesses available cost effi ciencies and
as emissions are directly proportional to fuel
burn, it also reduces emission levels and it has
had a measurable impact on fuel and emission
effi ciency. On an ongoing basis, engines are
monitored, maintained and overhauled to
maximise fuel effi ciency and minimise
emissions, and environmental upgrades are
added on overhaul where available. This
engine conditioning monitoring aims to give
advance warning of impending deterioration of
parts, allowing for preventative maintenance
which contributes to ensuring effi cient engines
and therefore has both emission control and
fuel burn benefi ts. Aer Lingus also performs
engine water washes on both engines types
in the fl eet, which improves fuel burn and
also results in lower emissions. In addition,
airframes are inspected and maintained to
ensure minimum drag. Aer Lingus’ continued
commitment to maintaining a young fl eet also
improves operational fuel effi ciencies due to
the use of newer technology and this will
continue in the future.
Noise
Aer Lingus’ aircraft are amongst the quietest in
the industry due to their low average age. Aer
Lingus generally does not operate fl ights late
at night when noise is of the greatest concern.
As airports levy “noise charges”, Aer Lingus’
efforts to reduce noise (e.g. use of ground
power instead of Auxiliary Power Units) can
also generate cost effi ciencies. Continuous
Descent Approaches (CDAs) are now performed
wherever possible. This involves using a
continuous steady descent rather than
following a number of short descents. The CDA
fl ight path is generally higher, thereby reducing
noise impacts and there is also a benefi cial
impact on emissions. Aer Lingus fully complies
with all international and national regulations
and continues to focus on developing and
implementing low noise procedures.
Aer Lingus received a major award at the
Operation Pathfi nder Award Ceremony in April
2010. Aer Lingus was awarded for the best
track-keeping performanceat Birmingham
International Airport, achieving an impressive
100% ‘on track’ performance. These awards
celebrate the skillful fl ying of airlines that
achieve the highest standards in track keeping.
The importance of this accuracy cannot be
understated, as it helps to minimise the
impact of the airport on the local community.
Waste Management
Aer Lingus is committed to waste management
including the collection, transport, processing,
recycling, disposal, and monitoring of waste
materials. As with all airlines, Aer Lingus must
store and/or handle potentially hazardous
waste as a result of its operations (e.g. solid/
liquid waste from maintenance operations).
These operations are subject to detailed
legislation and regulation. All staff involved in
these operations receive appropriate training
and Aer Lingus ensures that processes applied
both internally and, by third parties engaged
to treat such waste, are in line with best
practice. Non-hazardous waste from aircraft is
also subject to controls and licensing. Aer
Lingus continues to achieve reductions in
catering waste due to the “buy on board”
products whereby food is purchased based on
individual passenger needs.
Emissions to Waters/Sewers
Aer Lingus is subject to regulation and
licensing in relation to surface water and
sewer emissions from operations such as
de-icing, fuel/oil spillages and catering sewer
emissions. Aer Lingus has pollution prevention
policies and procedures in place across its
network and works closely with airport
authorities to ensure full compliance and to
avoid penalties and fi nes.
Infrastructure Effi ciency
Aer Lingus is committed to reducing costs
in the airport environment. The Airline has
introduced technology, which reduces demand
for terminal space, such as self-service
check-in and the “web check-in” facility.
All of these technologies allow more effi cient
use of terminal space.
Energy Monitoring
Aer Lingus is committed to to improving its
energy management performance. A continuous
process of monitoring, controlling, and
conserving energy in all Aer Lingus buildings
is ongoing. Energy consumption in our Aer
Lingus premises is regularly monitored and
benchmarked against industry standards and
best practice. “Green” electricity is used at
stations where available.
Staff
Aer Lingus recognises the importance of the
contribution made by staff in delivering
continuous improvement in organisational
performance and results and values the
knowledge, skills and experience of employees.
Aer Lingus supports training and development
of staff to ensure the safe and effi cient
operation of the business.
Recruitment
Aer Lingus policy on recruitment and selection
is to provide the organisation with the people
having the skills, competencies and aptitude
to meet our strategic objectives; to provide
equal access to all qualifi ed candidates and
avoid all forms of discrimination; and to select
the candidate most suitable for the job in
question on the basis of pre-set criteria. The
Group fi lls vacancies through the provision of
opportunities for existing staff to progress
within the organisation, combined with the
recruitment of specifi c expertise and skills
externally. Aer Lingus operates a highly
effective, low cost recruitment model, where
over 95% of external recruitment needs