Materiality initiatives: "Environment"
As we cannot avoid GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions as part of our air transportation business, one of the most important issues for us is to take measures on climate change. Skymark is committed to reducing environmental impact and creating social value by promoting initiatives such as the introduction of aircraft with lower GHG emissions and SAF (sustainable aviation fuel).
Transition to Fuel-Efficient Aircraft
Skymark is committed to reducing its environmental impact and is proceeding with plans to introduce new, fuel-efficient aircraft from fiscal year 2025 onwards. The aircraft to be introduced are the Boeing 737-8 and Boeing 737-10, the latest models in the Boeing 737 series with an impressive environmental performance of emitting 15-19% less CO2 per seat compared to the current Boeing 737-800. Skymark will continue to actively transition to fuel-efficient aircraft, aiming to provide air services with minimal environmental impact.
Use of SAF
Skymark is committed to reducing its environmental impact and will start using SAF from fiscal year 2024 onwards. Unlike conventional jet fuel, which is refined from crude oil, SAF is produced from biomass fuels such as used cooking oil and sugarcane, as well as municipal solid waste and waste plastics. SAF is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by about 60-80% compared to conventional jet fuel throughout its lifecycle, from the production and collection of raw materials, to manufacturing and combustion. This is considered to be the most effective way in reducing GHG emissions in the aviation industry. Skymark aims to replace 10% of its aviation fuel with SAF by 2030, aligning with the national goal. In addition, since FY2023, we have been conducting activities to deepen understanding of SAF, mainly in the areas where we operate. Through these efforts, we will take steps toward realizing a society where we can provide a sustainable air transportation service.
Promotion of Fuel-Efficient Operations
Skymark is implementing various measures to reduce GHG emissions during operations, with safety as a top priority. The following are specific initiatives:
- Optimization of Fuel Load
The renewal of the flight planning system has enabled us to create flight plans that are more in line with actual operations, enabling further refinement and optimization of fuel load. - Reduction of Aircraft Weight
Skymark is reducing aircraft weight by switching flight information provided to crew members from paper to electronic media, and by reviewing the size and number of pages of in-flight magazines, thereby curbing fuel consumption. - Optimization of Flap Operation during Takeoff
Adjusting flap operations at the optimal timing depending on the situation enables to efficiently create lift and reduce fuel consumption. - Reduction of Reverse Thrust during Landing
After landing, aircraft decelerate using reverse thrust and wheel brakes. When conditions are met, fuel consumption can be reduced by reducing the output of the thrust reverser immediately after landing. - Reduction of APU (auxiliary power unit) Usage
The APU is an auxiliary power unit installed on the aircraft and is used as a power source for lighting and air conditioning in the cabin; however, consumes aviation fuel and generates GHG when used. Instead, by using a GPU (ground power unit) as the power and air conditioning source while parked, the consumption of aviation fuel can be reduced.
