United Airlines Releases Innovative Cargo Carbon Emissions Calculator

Airline is the only U.S.-based carrier to offer the tool

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Nov 01, 2013, 10:33 ET

CHICAGO, Nov. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines, in partnership with Sustainable Travel International, today announced the release of an enhanced cargo emissions and offset calculator that quickly computes and presents per capita carbon emissions for customers shipping via United Cargo. United is the only U.S.-based carrier to offer the calculator to its customers.

Recognizing the emerging global trend for increased accountability and the need to report carbon footprint data to shippers, United's user-friendly calculator provides information that is often now expected by its customers. Cargo customers can easily input place of origin and destination for each flight leg, along with the weight of their shipment, in order to quickly determine the total carbon footprint for their shipment using United operational data to provide an accurate result. This tool proves useful in various business-to-business transactions.

"We continue to see a shift in the industry toward the need for emissions data availability, and United's new cargo calculator provides a more transparent view into our customers' carbon footprint," said Robbie Anderson, President of United Cargo. "United Cargo is committed to an aggressive program to promote environmental sustainability, and we are focused on contributing to our industry's progress in this area."

The new tool also enables United Cargo to accurately and efficiently respond to shipping request-for-proposals, which increasingly require the inclusion of emissions reporting data.

The cargo calculator is built on the success of United's recently updated emissions and offset calculator for passenger travel that gives customers the opportunity to make a contribution to offset greenhouse gas emissions associated with their travel. The calculation methodology recognizes actual flight data related to aircraft type, routes and seasonality, and considers the effect that additional mass has on emissions stemming from freight transport. The tool offers greater reporting accuracy by applying a next-generation CO₂ emissions calculation methodology informed by recent International Air Transport Association and International Civil Aviation Organization analyses as well as European Standards.

The calculator provides customers the opportunity to sponsor high-quality emission reduction projects around the globe. United selected the projects based on geographic relevance to its major hubs, and all of the projects have been third-party verified to internationally recognized standards. The current portfolio of projects includes support for forest conservation in California and Belize and renewable wind energy in Texas.

For more information on United's commitment to the environment, please visit: www.United.com/ecoskies

About United
United Airlines and United Express operate an average of more than 5,300 flights a day to more than 360 airports across six continents. In 2012, United and United Express carried more passenger traffic than any other airline in the world and operated nearly two million flights carrying 140 million customers. United is investing in upgrading its onboard products and now offers more flat-bed seats in its premium cabins and more extra-legroom, economy-class seating than any airline in North America. In 2013, United became the first U.S.-based international carrier to offer satellite-based Wi-Fi on long-haul overseas routes. The airline also features DIRECTV® on more than 200 aircraft, offering customers more live television access than any other airline in the world. United operates nearly 700 mainline aircraft and has made large-scale investments in its fleet. In 2013, United continues to modernize its fleet by taking delivery of more than two dozen new Boeing aircraft. The company will have launched 14 new international and 19 new domestic routes, including the addition of seven new cities to its network, by the end of 2013. Business Traveler magazine awarded United Best Airline for North American Travel for 2012, and readers of Global Traveler magazine have voted United's MileagePlus program the best frequent flyer program for nine consecutive years. According to the 4^th annual Switchfly Reward Seat Availability Survey published by IdeaWorksCompany in May 2013, United has the most saver-style award-seat availability among the largest U.S. global airlines. Air Transport World named United as the Eco-Aviation Airline of the Year Gold Winner in 2013. United is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to 195 countries via 28 member airlines. More than 85,000 United employees reside in every U.S. state and in countries around the world. For more information, visit united.com or follow United on Twitter and Facebook. The common stock of United's parent, United Continental Holdings, Inc., is traded on the NYSE under the symbol UAL.

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SOURCE United Airlines