In a groundbreaking initiative, Sri Lankan Airlines is set to become a trailblazer in South Asia by introducing eco-friendly carpets aboard its aircraft following a successful trial. These environmentally responsible carpets, procured from Lantal Textiles in Switzerland, mark a significant stride for Sri Lankan Airlines in its ongoing commitment to reduce carbon emissions through incremental enhancements in fuel efficiency.
The deployment of sustainable carpets aligns with the airline’s long-term vision of creating an eco-friendly in-flight experience that resonates with the evolving expectations of modern travelers.
“We are thrilled to introduce sustainable carpets on our aircraft, bringing us closer to realizing our long-term vision of creating a more eco-friendly in-flight experience that aligns with the expectations of modern travelers. Recognizing the growing awareness among travelers and businesses towards ethical and sustainable choices, Sri Lankan Airlines looks forward to incorporating even more environmentally conscious solutions in its operations moving forward,” stated Ms. Maria Sathasivam, Manager of Product Development at Sri Lankan Airlines.
These lightweight carpets are crafted from regenerated nylon, derived from materials that would typically end up in landfills, including abandoned ocean fishing nets (ghost nets), aquaculture nylon waste, used carpet waste, used fabric waste, and fabric scraps from mills. Apart from being a green technology that minimizes landfill waste, this approach significantly reduces the use of crude oil, water, and energy during production compared to traditional virgin nylon manufacturing.
The lightweight design of the carpets contributes to reducing overall flight weight, subsequently lowering fuel costs. Once the entire fleet is outfitted with these carpets, Sri Lankan Airlines anticipates an annual savings of approximately LKR 21 million in jet fuel consumption. This reduction in fuel usage will also lead to a decrease of about 248.79 tons in the airline’s annual carbon footprint.
Sri Lankan Airlines’ commitment to environmental sustainability encompasses a multifaceted strategy, including initiatives focused on carbon footprint and waste reduction, biodiversity conservation, and environmental compliance. Notably, the airline pioneered “Planet Friendly Flights” in 2009 and earned recognition as the second-lowest carbon-emitting airline in the Asia-Pacific region in 2016 by Business Traveller. Furthermore, SriLankan Airlines’ innovative upcycling project, ‘Mathaka,’ clinched the Best Aviation Sustainability Program Award at the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum (SMBR) Global Aviation Awards in December 2022, triumphing over 118 other submissions.
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