Airlines Care Less About the Environment Than They Lead You to Believe
Photo Credit: Frontier is now branding itself as America's greenest airline. But the airline hasn't changed anything about its strategy. Frontier Airlines
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Airlines know passengers care about the environment, so they're all ready with talking points to provide their sustainability bonafides. But many are changing little about their strategies.
In a Las Vegas hotel ballroom a couple of months ago, Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle promised to reveal how he had solved a question vexing airlines: How to build an environmentally sustainable business without sacrificing profits.
Calling Frontier "America's Greenest Airline," Biffle explained it would buy the newest airplanes, cram them with seats, and fly them longer each day than competitors. Inside, Frontier would offer zero amenities — no Wi-Fi, in-seat power, or entertainment — while charging extra for everything, including baggage, food and sodas.
"Look, it is not the most comfortable for a couple of hours," Biffle told hundreds of industry insiders, "but it is the most comfortable that you will find for the planet."
The world is facing a climate change crisis, and Biffle essentially mocked it, repackaging the airline's existing model, and congratulating himself for environment stewardship. Yes, packing on spartan (and light) seats reduces per-passenger emissio
