10 Ways We Are Reducing Our Environmental Impact

1. Fly Efficient Planes
Alaska's Boeing 737-900 jet and Horizon's Bombardier Q400 turboprop are the two most fuel-efficient aircraft in their class.

2. Winglets
To further improve the aerodynamics of our planes, Alaska uses winglets, which increase fuel efficiency 3% to 5%.

3. Weight Reduction
By removing and replacing redundant equipment with lighter-weight alternatives, Alaska saves an estimated 585,000 gallons of fuel each year.

4. Flight Management Technology
Required Navigation Performance and Wide Area Augmentation System technology use a combination of onboard computers and satellites to fly more precise approaches, reduce fuel burn and enable landings in low-visibility weather.

5. Biofuel
Alaska and Horizon have been advancing and promoting the use of alternative sustainable biofuels in the Pacific Northwest. In 2011, we were the first domestic carriers to fly mulitple scheduled routes powered by a biofuel blend.

6. Noise
More than 80% of our combined fleet
(all Q400s and 737-NGs) meet FAA stage 4 noise requirements, which are at least 10 decibels quieter than current stage 3 requirements.

7. Carbon Emissions Alaska Air Group's fleet improvements and flying efficiencies have reduced carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions by 30% per revenue passenger mile since 2004.

8. Materials
Alaska and Horizon use service materials that can be easily recycled or are sourced sustainably whenever feasible.

9. Recycling
Alaska and Horizon flight attendants divert more than 800 tons of cups, cans, bottles, newspapers and other materials from landfills each year through their award-winning inflight recycling.

10. Ground Power at the Gates
Using ground power instead of the aircraft auxiliary power unit while airplanes are parked at the gate annually saves Alaska Airlines some 3 million gallons of fuel.

Aiming at environmental sustainability, driving down costs and emissions through what we fly.

*Gallons of jet fuel per revenue passenger mile (RPM) and revenue ton mile (RTM) from 2011 DOT Form 41 and 298C data-- domestic and international travel combined.

Alaska Airlines has reduced fossil fuel consumption by 30% per revenue passenger mile (RPM) since 2004 and now ranks #1 in fuel efficiency against all major domestic carriers (see table at right). We've accomplished this through our fleet improvements; operational efficiencies; and weight reduction efforts.

Travel + Leisure magazine names Alaska Airlines as "America's most fuel-efficient large airline"

The awards, introduced in 2005, recognize the outstanding efforts of individuals and organizations that are working to preserve the world's natural and man-made treasures, says Nancy Novogrod, editor in chief, in a letter to the company. Alaska was selected for the sustainability award, which is "not just about the latest green amenities but a commitment to a long-term mission."

The award cites Alaska's longstanding efforts with satellite navigation technology to find the shortest possible flight path, and applauds Alaska for reducing its carbon footprint by 30 percent since 2004. It also mentions the onboard recycling efforts in diverting 500 tons of trash from landfills.