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Perfect Flights: Only Air New Zealand Knew There Was Such a Thing

Air New Zealand made a perfect flight on Friday, and we weren't on it.

We've been craving a perfect flight all our traveling lives and it should include no delays, a comfortable seat far away from screaming children, edible food and a smooth landing. Air New Zealand's criteria were a little different: They tried for using less fuel and having lower carbon emissions--and apparently succeeded in saving 1,200 gallons of fuel and emitting 30,000 tons less of nasty carbon stuff.

The so-called perfect flight was achieved by streamlining the whole process. That included giving the plane priority take-off and landing, using an alternative fuel source while on the ground at Auckland airport, and ditching a strict flight plan so that the plane could vary the course according to conditions.

Most of these procedures are fairly impossible to implement--could we give every plane priority landing?--but the idea is good. Combine it with a jatropha-fueled flight and we'll be calling Air New Zealand the greenest of 'em all.

Related Stories:
· Air NZ Passengers Take a Ride on Perfect Flight [LAT]
· Air New Zealand Hearts Jatropha [Jaunted]

[Photo: planegeezer]