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 CO2 emissions during operations, with safety as our top priority.
| Aircraft and Flight Preparation |
On the Ground (Parked to Taxiing) |
Takeoff and Climb | Cruise | Descent and Landing |
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Aircraft and Flight Preparation
- Transition to Fuel-Efficient Aircraft
To reduce environmental impact, we are proactively introducing new aircraft with superior fuel efficiency. - Engine Cleaning
Since dirt and dust accumulating inside aircraft engines can degrade fuel efficiency and increase CO2 emissions, engine washes are regularly performed. - Reduction of Aircraft Weight
Aircraft weight is reduced by switching the flight information provided to flight crews from paper to electronic media and by reviewing the size and page count of in-flight magazines, thereby curbing fuel consumption. - Formulating Optimal Flight Plans
By utilizing flight planning systems and flight optimization software, we formulate optimal flight plans (altitude, speed, and fuel load) to minimize fuel consumption.
On the Ground: Parked and Taxiing
- Preventing In-Cabin Temperature Rise by Closing Window Shades
Closing window shades while parked or taxiing helps maintain the cabin temperature, thereby shortening the usage time of the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), which powers the air conditioning. - Reduction of APU Usage via GPU Utilization
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, it consumes fuel and generates CO2 when used. Instead, by using a Ground Power Unit as the power and air conditioning source while parked, fuel consumption is reduced.
Takeoff and Climb
- Accelerating and Climbing Rapidly after Takeoff to Reduce Air Resistance and Fuel Consumption
We actively implement a procedure where the aircraft accelerates while climbing shortly after takeoff, retracting the flaps early to reach cruising altitude sooner. This helps suppress fuel consumption and reduce CO2 emissions. - Reduction of Taxiing Distance via Intersection Takeoff
When there is sufficient runway length, performing an intersection takeoff can reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions generated during taxiing.
Cruise
- Operation at the Optimal Altitude
By utilizing flight optimization software, the aircraft cruises at the optimal altitude and speed based on data such as the latest weather forecasts—including wind direction, wind speed, and temperature, as well as turbulence risk. - Selection of Shortest Flight Paths
By considering weather conditions and requesting the shortest routes from Air Traffic Control, both flight paths and flight times can be shortened.
Descent and Landing
- Implementation of Continuous Descent Operations
At certain airports, continuous descent operations are utilized, which involve a continuous descent along a smooth, linear path rather than the conventional step-down descent. Since this eliminates the need to increase engine thrust mid-descent and shortens the flight distance, it enables reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. - Optimized Deployment of Flaps, Slats and Landing Gear
Flaps, slats and landing gear, which are essential for landing, create significant air resistance and increase fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Therefore, as long as safety and landing conditions permit, delaying their extension as much as possible helps reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. - 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. - Single-Engine Taxi
During ground movement after landing, we perform single-engine taxiing when predefined safety and operational conditions are met, thereby reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
