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Continental Airlines Flight Powered by Sustainable Biofuels
Continental conducted the first biofuel-powered demonstration flight of a U.S. commercial airliner on Jan. 7, 2009. The demonstration flight was powered by a special fuel blend including components derived from algae and jatropha plants - sustainable, second-generation fuel sources that don't impact food crops or water resources and don't contribute to deforestation.
 See details of our Carbon Offset Program.
Global climate change is an important issue and Continental Airlines recognizes that reducing greenhouse gas emissions is everyone's responsibility. Certainly, we do not have all the answers, but we have taken decisive steps to incorporate environmental stewardship into our culture.
One such step is the creation of our corporate initiative, Eco-Skies™. Under the Eco-Skies banner, we seek ways to help minimize our carbon footprint and encourage our customers and suppliers to do the same. By doing so, we are certain to maintain a keen awareness of the environmental impact of our business and the effect it has on the future of us all.
See facts on how Continental is promoting environmental responsibility within its fleet, operations and procedures, ground services and facilities (PDF 237KB).
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Background Information on Continental and the Environment
Our Fleet
Today, Continental is nearly 35 percent more fuel efficient for every mile a passenger flies than in 1997. In order to further reduce emissions and increase fuel efficiency, we will continue to invest in efficient and advanced aircraft technology. We will also continue to apply responsible operating procedures to further reduce the impact of our fleet on the environment. Furthermore, we will work with national and international governments to improve air traffic control systems so that aircraft routings will result in fewer emissions.
Our Ground Equipment
Continental is committed to using electric rather than fossil-fuel-powered ground equipment wherever feasible. At our Houston hub, we have been using electric ground equipment since 2002 and we will have reduced our emissions from ground equipment approximately 75 percent by the end of 2007. We have begun a cold-weather test of this electric ground equipment at our New York/Newark hub. We are also testing the use of alternative fuel and fuel additives for ground service equipment.
Our Facilities
Continental is committed to constructing our airport facilities according to the U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star standards when feasible. As part of LEED, Continental will integrate high-efficiency components into facilities and implement programs to conserve energy, save natural resources, reduce emissions and minimize the impact on the environment.
Cultural Awareness
Continental recognizes that the preservation of the environment is an essential part of our business practices. We are committed to promoting a culture that is focused on being environmentally sensitive as we work with our employees, customers, suppliers, industry organizations and the communities we serve in safeguarding the environment for future generations.
In 2007, FORTUNE magazine named Continental one of the top ten global companies across all industries in the Community/Environment category on its list of Global Most Admired Companies.
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