Airlines

Super-transport Beluga is powered by Sustainable fuel

Super-transport Beluga is powered by Sustainable fuel: Airbus announced its plan to decarbonizing its industrial operations with the first flight of Beluga super-transporter with 35% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from its Broughton plant in the UK on April 13.

The first flight with Airbus A300-600ST Beluga, loaded with a 35% blend of SAF, from Broughton, Broughton becomes the second location where Airbus has powered its Beluga fleet with sustainable fuels. The manufacturer first started using SAFs for its Beluga cargo operations in Hamburg in 2019, Airbus plans to operate 60 more flights in the next three months with sustainable fuels.

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The iconic #Beluga took off for the 1st time in Broughton ?? fuelled by 35% Sustainable Aviation Fuel. 60 more Beluga & #BelugaXL fuelled by #SAF will take off from our wings manufacturing site over the next 3 months to accelerate the decarbonisation of our industrial operations. pic.twitter.com/720GVPs7kf
— Airbus (@Airbus) April 13, 2021
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“This first flight by a Beluga transporter from Broughton, partially fuelled with SAF, marks an important milestone in Airbus’ ambition to decarbonize its industrial operations,” said Tony Derrien, Sustainable Aviation Fuels Project Manager, Airbus.

First BelugaXL successfully completes maiden flight

SAF is currently certified by regulators for up to a 50% blend. However, the Beluga fleet operating from Broughton will initially be loaded with a 35% blend of non-fossil-derived fuel. The fuel is made up of sustainable feedstocks, such as cooking oil. The sustainable fuel is supplied by Air BP (British Petroleum)

“The progressive deployment of sustainable aviation fuels at Airbus’ sites is an essential part of our decarbonization roadmap,” added Andy Owen, Beluga Line Station Manager at Broughton.

Airlines

A Costly Mistake: Passenger Pays for Fuel After Disruptive Flight

A Western Australian man has learned a costly lesson after his unruly behavior on a flight resulted in the aircraft having to turn back. The passenger was ordered to pay over $5,000 in fuel costs, along with a significant fine, for causing the plane to divert.

The incident occurred in September 2023 when the man, who was not publicly named, became disruptive on a flight from Perth to Sydney. Due to his behavior, the pilot was forced to turn the plane around and return to Perth, which required dumping fuel to land safely.

The passenger pleaded guilty to charges of disorderly behavior and non-compliance with safety instructions. As a result, he was ordered to pay $8,630 to the airline to cover the cost of the wasted fuel and was also fined $6,055. This combined penalty of over $11,000 is a stark reminder of the severe consequences of disruptive behavior on flights.

While this is not a typical punishment, other cases of in-flight misconduct have resulted in hefty fines. One passenger in the United States was fined over $40,000 for a series of offenses, including bringing their own alcohol on board, being intoxicated, attempting to smoke marijuana, and sexually assaulting a flight attendant.

The Australian Federal Police emphasized that disruptive behavior on flights will not be tolerated. They warned that individuals who cause disturbances can face significant financial penalties and legal consequences. The case of the Western Australian passenger serves as a clear message that obeying airline staff and adhering to safety regulations is essential for a smooth and safe flight.