Airbus and Boeing are taking steps to ensure green manufacturing and develop environmentally friendly aircraft dismantling processes while working alongside engine OEMs and airlines to pursue development of sustainable biofuels.

TRIP Linhas Aereas signed an order for five E-175s plus 10 options and 15 purchase rights, Embraer announced. Value of firm orders at list prices is $167.5 million, and the deal could exceed $1 billion if all options and rights are exercised. Delivery will start next year. TRIP will configure the aircraft in one class with 86 seats. The Campinas-based carrier operates 18 aircraft and expects to carry 1 million passengers to 70 destinations this year.

Chinese airlines are showing "a lot of interest" in Bombardier's new CSeries aircraft owing to its greater fuel efficiency, VP-Commercial Aircraft Marketing and Communications Trung Ngo told ATWOnline recently in Beijing. "We have been in discussion with a number of Chinese carriers, including state-owned and private airlines, on the CSeries," Ngo revealed. He claimed it can consume about 20% less fuel than comparable aircraft like the E-195, A318/A319 and 737NG.

Governments around the world must work alongside airlines and manufacturers that are trying to make a difference in the environment, according to Air New Zealand's Rob Fyfe, CEO of one of the industry's greenest carriers.

British Airways subsidiary OpenSkies is scheduled to operate its first daily flight today between Paris Orly and New York JFK aboard a three-class, 82-seat 757. "While the economic climate has worsened in recent months, we believe that OpenSkies can compete effectively," BA CEO Willie Walsh said. "It has a low cost base and support from British Airways in key areas such as sales and marketing. This differentiates it from some new airlines that have failed recently which were operating in isolation without the backing of an established carrier."