Ryanair 2016 Annual Report Download - page 31

31
Ryanair also has the lowest emissions intensity of any MSCI ACWI airline constituent, and its 2014 average
emissions intensity of 75g CO2-e/RPK was 45% better than the 123g CO2-e/RPK average for that group (source: MSCI
Research, February 2016).
Ryanair cuts noise and emissions through its “one engine taxi” policy and strict compliance with Cost Index Flight
Planning recommendations. Using the correct Cost Index optimises the speed for each flight and maximises fuel efficiency.
The introduction of the Boeing 737-MAX-200 (“Gamechanger”) aircraft in 2019 will reduce operational noise
emissions by up to 40%.
Fleet Replacement
Boeing 737-800NG
In December 2005, Ryanair completed a fleet renewal program which saw all of its older Boeing 737-200A aircraft
replaced with new Boeing 737-800NG aircraft. Ryanair now operates a single aircraft fleet of Boeing 737-800NG aircraft
with an average age of 6 years. By moving to an all Boeing 737-800NG fleet, Ryanair cut the unit emissions per passenger
by 31%.
Boeing 737-MAX-200
In September 2014, Ryanair announced an order for up to 200 Boeing 737-MAX-200 aircraft. These aircraft, which
will deliver between 2019 and 2024, have 197 seats (8 more than Ryanair’s existing 189 seat fleet) and will be fitted with
the CFM LEAP 1B engines which, combined with the Advanced Technology scimitar winglets, slimline seats and other
weight-saving and aerodynamic improvements, will reduce fuel consumption by up to 16% and reduce operational noise
emissions by up to 40%.
Emissions Trading
In the calendar year 2015, Ryanair’s emissions continued to fall on a per passenger basis, down 5.6% year-on-year.
In 2015 Ryanair emitted 8.6bn tCO2, which equates to 0.085 tCO2 per passenger.
Calendar Year
tCO2 per passenger
tCO2
2015
0.085
8,638,838
2014
0.090
7,756,156
2013
0.094
7,653,566
The E.U. passed legislation requiring aviation to operate under the E.U. Emissions Trading Scheme. This scheme is
a cap-and-trade system for CO2 emissions to encourage industry to improve its CO2 efficiency. Airlines were granted
initial CO2 allowances based on historical “revenue ton kilometres” and a CO2 efficiency benchmark. Any shortage of
allowances has to be purchased in the open market and/or at government auctions. Ryanair takes its environmental
responsibilities seriously and intends to continue to improve its environmental efficiency in order to minimise emissions.
MSCI stated, in their report dated February 9, 2016 and titled “ESG Ratings Report”, that “Ryanair continues to lead
its industry on fuel efficiency, driven by its relatively young fleet. The Company’s carbon emissions per revenue passenger
kilometres are the lowest among peers”.
Company Facilities
Environmental controls are generally imposed under Irish law through property planning legislation, specifically the
Local Government (Planning and Development) Acts of 1963 to 1999, the Planning and Development Act 2000 and
regulations made there under. At Dublin Airport, Ryanair operates on land controlled by the DAA. Planning permission
for its facilities has been granted in accordance with both the zoning and planning requirements of Dublin Airport. There
is also specific Irish environmental legislation implementing applicable E.U. directives and regulations, to which Ryanair
adheres.