AIR TRAVEL FUEL CONSUMPTION: AIRLINES SUCH as Iberia, Etihad, KLM, Lufthansa and SAS are using technology developed by two former Aer Lingus managers to help them reduce fuel burn and CO2 emissions. Liberator was set up in 2003 by Kevin Pryor and Tony McDermott.

Its web-based tools help airlines reduce fuel consumption on the ground and on flights of over three hours.

Its Liberator Fuel Index enables airlines to manage their load planning to achieve the best centre of gravity and fine tune various factors to reduce take-off weights. This patented system can cut fuel burn and CO2 emissions by 2 per cent on flights of three hours plus.

Concerted efforts to cut fuel use can save millions of euro. Air India announced it saved €7.1 million in the six months to February through fuel-efficient flying techniques, taxiing on just one engine, reducing food trolley weights and the amount of water it carries.