United Airlines

I. INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this paper is to inform about the environment sustainability that Continental Airlines, actually named United airlines has implemented in their flights taking an active role in the world by implementing programs and services that help protect the environment.

II. INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANY

Continental Airlines was a major U.S. airline, founded in 1934 and headquartered in Houston, Texas. In May 2010, the airline announced that it would merge with UAL Corporation, the parent company of United Airlines, via a stock. Continental's shares were acquired by UAL Corporation. The acquisition was completed in October 2010, at which time the holding company was renamed United Continental Holdings. During the integration period, both airlines ran separate operations under the direction of a combined leadership team, based in Chicago, Illinois. The integration was completed on March 3, 2012. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continental_Airlines

Continental had ownership interests and brand partnerships with several carriers. Continental was a minority owner of ExpressJet Airlines, which operated under the 'Continental Express' trade name but was a separately managed and public company. Chautauqua Airlines also flew under the Continental Express identity, and Cape Air, Colgan Air, CommutAir, and Silver Airways fed Continental's flights under the Continental Connection identity. Continental did not have any ownership interests in these companies. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continental_Airlines

United Airlines and United Express operate an average of 5,341 flights a day to more than 360 airports across six continents. In 2012, United and United Express carried more passenger traffic than any other airline in the world and operated nearly two million flights carrying 140 million customers. United is investing in upgrading its onboard products and now offers more flat-bed seats in its premium cabins and more extra-legroom economy-class seating than any airline in North America. In 2013, United became the first U.S.-based international carrier to offer satellite-based Wi-Fi on long-haul overseas routes. The airline also features DIRECTV® on 200 aircraft, offering customers more live television access than any other airline in the world. United operates nearly 700 mainline aircraft and has made large-scale investments in its fleet. In 2013, United will continue to modernize its fleet by taking delivery of more than two dozen new Boeing aircraft. The company expanded its industry-leading global route network in 2012, launching nine new international and 18 new domestic routes. Business Traveler magazine awarded United Best Airline for North American Travel for 2012, and readers of Global Traveler magazine have voted United’s MileagePlus program the best frequent flyer program for nine consecutive years. According to the 4th annual Switchfly Reward Seat Availability Survey published by IdeaWorksCompany in May 2013, United has the most saver-style award-seat availability among the largest U.S. global airlines. More than 85,000 United employees reside in every U.S. state and in countries around the world.

http://www.unitedcontinentalholdings.com/

III. THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS OF ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Sustainability at the new United is first and foremost about creating a leading airline that achieves stability and profitability in a turbulent industry ,by delivering an exceptional product to our customers and our communities. United take it a step further with a genuine commitment to responsible actions that reduce our impact on the environment while continuing to achieve our business goals.

http://www.united.com/web/format/pdf/globalcitizenship/22161_eco-skies_Overview_

United Airlines (NYSE: UAL) has launched a new sustainable supply chain initiative to reinforce its commitment to supporting the environment. UA is the largest airline in the world in terms of passenger kilometers flown, and has advocated environmental procedures for a long time. The new initiative is a part of its wider responsibility to lead the aviation industry’s understanding and addressing of the environmental concerns.

http://www.justmeans.com/blogs/united-airlines-launches-new-sustainability-initiative#sthash.xHjDGTD6.dpuf

IV. HOW THE COMPANY IS IMPLEMENTING ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

In 2013, they were recognized for our environmental accomplishments and named Air Transport World magazine’s Eco-Aviation “Airline of the Year” Gold Winner. And they have built a corporate track record that they can be proud of, having improved aircraft fuel efficiency by 33% since 1994. http://www.united.com/web/en-US/content/company/globalcitizenship/environment.aspx

Committed to leading commercial aviation as an environmentally responsible company by taking actions today that shape an environmentally sustainable future

Focusing on:

• Compliance with applicable laws and regulations

• Reduce fuel use and improve fuel efficiency of our aircraft and vehicles through technology and process innovation

• Advance and utilize environmentally responsible and cost-efficient alternative fuels

• Improve the sustainability of products and our facilities, and responsibly manage wastes generated by our business activities

• Work together with our co-workers and partner with our stakeholders to promote accountability and protect the environment while achieving our business goal

http://www.airportsgoinggreen.org/Presentations/2011-Presentations/United_AGG2011

United are also working to manage waste responsibly and conserve natural resources

Reducing Waste:

• In-Flight Recycling: they have a comprehensive in-flight recycling program that resulted in recycling over 3 million pounds of waste over the past five years

• Recycling: they offer recycling in gate areas at our U.S. hubs for customers and employees

• Carpet Recycling: In Newark they recycle used aircraft cabin carpeting

Conserving Natural Resources:

• Mobile Boarding: they offer mobile flight check-in and mobile paperless boarding, resulting in reduced paper waste and GHG emissions

• Green Building: United{s headquarter buildings have achieved USGBC LEED Certified status by incorporating sustainable building design and construction practices

• Terminal Energy Efficiency: they have energy efficient lighting systems in many of their maintenance facilities and Terminal E at their Houston hub is approximately 15% more efficient than a traditional terminal

http://www.airportsgoinggreen.org/Presentations/2011-Presentations/United_AGG2011

V. CONCLUSION.

In conclusion, it could be consider, that United Airlines is a company who cares about the environment sustainability, advancing the development, certification, and commercial use of drop-in sustainable aviation fuels. Also, it may be say that united every day think in a new way how to protect the earth and creating an environmental conscience in their passengers.

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