SAS claims world lead in fuel-efficient flights

SAS, which has carried out more than 2,000 such landings, said a mid-sized aircraft like a Boeing 737 can save more than 100 kilograms in fuel per flight, which equates to 315kg less carbon emitted per flight. Larger aircraft could save even more.

The airline says it has a responsibility to optimise resources and a goal to reduce carbon emissions by 50 per cent by 2020.

Green landings depend on flight controllers and pilots fully adhering to schedules. If planes have to circle airports waiting for permission to land, fuel is wasted.

"For green flights to work properly, routes have to be more direct and airspace approaches efficiently structured," said Hakan Olsson, its Bangkok-based director and general manager for Southeast Asia.

SAS is ranked the 15th largest global airline. It said reducing carbon emissions and costs remains a "complex process". No airline can effectively do it alone. In November last year SAS issued a policy document called "10 Points for Climate-Friendly Aviation" - now the basis of its environmental policy. It asks airlines, governments, airports, passengers and supporting modes of transport to implement change.

The plan called for financial incentives, the international unity of rules, a more efficient use of air space, better public transport to and from airports, further investment into technology and alternative fuels, and reliable independent certification of organisations to help travellers who only want to make carbon-neutral trips.

"SAS is taking a lead role to be

the best we can," said Olsson. "We want to share our knowledge with other airlines. But many organisations have to collaborate for green flight savings to work properly."

Its board believes that if it can introduce the green concept around the world, the environmental savings could be enormous. Every minute of flying time knocked off a journey saves 62 litres of fuel.