A Belgian airline has announced plans to fractionally slow down its flights in an effort to cut fuel costs and reduce emissions.
Brussels Airlines said its flights will be lengthened "by one single minute, or a maximum of two," spokesman Geert Sciot said, "and the result will be a €1.1 million saving on our fuel bill."
He said Brussels Airlines was also taking steps to reduce the weight of its aircraft, which would also ease consumption of aviation gas.
"We are doing everything we can to cut down on weight," he said. "We are in the middle of changing the seats, which will translate into 50 kilograms less per plane."
He said baggage weight limits wouldn't be affected.
With oil prices hitting record highs - spiking to near $120 a barrel in New York yesterday - some companies have looked to shift their rising fuel bill onto ticket prices. Mr Sciot said Brussels Airlines had no plans yet to follow suit, but the carrier is "following the situation day by day."
AFP