Turboprops get Eco-labels
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 06.11.07
We mentioned earlier that perhaps with the right plane, flying isn't dying, noting that a modern turboprop like the Bombardier Q400 uses far less fuel and flies at an efficiency slightly less than a car and slightly above a modern train. The UK's Flybe has now produced an eco-label for their planes, which not surprisingly get a lot of A's compared to their competitors. However their process and calculations are open and available for review, and have been "subjected to an assurance process by Deloitte & Touche LLP, a leading professional services firm and represent best in class methodology and we expect the rest of the industry to follow suit." ::Flybe.
Americans will soon be able to fly Q4's from Denver on Frontier Airlines, where "Aggressive fares and higher fuel prices have forced all airlines to look for ways to keep and attract business as travelers forsake loyalty to a particular airline in favor of the cheapest ticket prices and most convenient ways to travel" - no word about flying green, just saving money. ::Press Enterprise
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What we should have is ALL short and medium flights on Q400's and only long-range flights for jets. In the cases of long range flights, they should be done less frequently with larger aircraft to increase efficiency that much more. Say, instead of an A330 leaving full every day, how about an A380 leaving full every other day? Even though an A380 has 4 engines, it's still the most efficient jet aircraft on earth when carrying a full load of passengers. Let's also keep in mind some incredible but often overlooked aircraft like the Russian Tu-95 Bear which has only 4 propfan engines but is far more efficient than a comparable jet and has tremendous speed and capacity as well. It may not look pretty from the outside but it sure gets the job done. Large-scale Turboprops are therefore not out of the question either.
Why are turboprops not as efficient as jets on long range flights, say over 1,000 miles? Seems to me if they are more efficient on short haul flights the same should apply to long haul.
JD
I fly for Colgan Air in the U.S. and we also use the Q400. I've heard Continental Airlines likes the aircraft and the passengers are happy. Turboprops may gain in popularity with the major airlines if fuel price remain at the same level or increase. I see job security in flying turboprop aircraft for a few years to come.