Emirates to do away with paper to cut weight

Dubai: Emirates airline said on Sunday it could reduce up to one tonne in weight by doing away with in-flight magazines, newspapers, entertainment guides and shopping catalogues. This is part of its cost-cutting measures.

"We are looking into ways to reduce the extra weight that will help reduce fuel emission and cut costs. By doing away with the printed materials, we could save up to one tonne in weight in an A380 aircraft," an Emirates spokesperson told Gulf News.

Emirates, which is the biggest customer of A380s, with 58 A380s on firm order, will receive its first super jumbo next week, which will be put into service a few weeks later.

With a reduction of two kilograms of paperweight per seat, the load could be reduced substantially.

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Emirates says it plans to feed similar content into its in-flight entertainment system - ICE - that will offer news, features and information including the in-flight magazine and catalogue.

"We are working on these to offer the passengers a better experience," the spokesperson said.

"However, this means, we will have to subscribe to certain channels and suppliers."

He said the airline will retrofit the new third-generation ICE system in all aircraft on the fleet, gradually.

A very wise and responsible move. Each individual and entity is responsible to reduce the devastating greenhouse effects.
Khaled
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 21, 2008, 11:29

Put away the magazines and catalogues, but not the entertainment guide.The ICE entertainment system is complicated enough. Look at any Emirates flight: around 30% don't use ICE. Many of them because they do not know how to use it (older people, not english speaking people etc.). Without the entertainment guide more people will choose to read their own books.
Jan
Marl,Germany
Posted: July 21, 2008, 10:17

Wise decission...great airlines always takes great steps.. I agree with Emirates this step toward reduce the cost which indirectly hit its passengers in fare. In this modern age of communication, Emirates can provide their in-flight or duty free magazine through their in-flight entertainment system.
Naheem
Slough,UK
Posted: July 21, 2008, 10:13

Good call for Emirates! A little step towards cutting down on paper! While I sometimes take inflight magazines home, most of the time these magazines just lie around after one or two readings, if at all. Maybe even have a way of getting online versions of these magazines for those who would want to have a copy of an article.
John
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 21, 2008, 09:18

I think very few people read inflight magazines as its not up to date. People nowadays search on net and call up for informations. I hope the gain on this will be reflected in the airfare!!
Baiju
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 21, 2008, 08:37

Emirates is probably the most accessorised (for lack of a better word) airline there is in the industry today. An economy seat alone is pretty much taken, even before you can sit on it - a pillow, blanket, earphone, plus 3 or 4 magazines printed in heavy, coated paper materials. Whew, too much of frills. As the cost of fuel continues to rise, luxury airlines like emirates should rethink its pampering strategy.
E. Crisostomo
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 21, 2008, 07:39

Eventually paper will be replaced by electronics in one form or the other. Those who pioneer the ideas would Reap the most of the benefits for the innovation.
Dawoodi
Karachi,Pakistan
Posted: July 21, 2008, 06:00