Our Save The Coral Reefs Campaign is once again raising awareness of ocean protection in an unprecedented way.
Locals and beach vacationers in the Algarve were able to spot today the biggest aircraft in the world, the Hi Fly A380 “Save the Coral Reefs”, as it overflew Faro and Vilamoura, Portugal, drawing attention to this environmental message. The Hi Fly aircraft was doing a planned and necessary after maintenance functional check flight, and took this opportunity to alert for marine conservation causes.
The aircraft proceeded along the coast, overwater up to Falesia beach, making two passes, one westbound, another eastbound, performed exactly as planned and in strict coordination with the authorities, above safety altitude, overwater. Finally, a right 270 degree turn over the sea, climbing to cross the shoreline above 3000’ on course to Beja, respecting all altitudes and noise requirements. It was being flown by Commander Carlos Mirpuri.
The campaign
The Mirpuri Foundation is raising awareness for this unprecedented campaign to fight the destruction of coral reefs. If no action is taken, these beautiful ecosystems will disappear by 2050. With 50% of the world’s corals already gone, action needs to be taken immediately and awareness is the first step.
Hi Fly, an airline operating worldwide as wet lease specialist, supported Mirpuri Foundation’s idea to carry the message across the five continents. The chosen aircraft was an Airbus A380-800, which is painted on both sides, one representing a pristine ocean with colorful and healthy marine life and the other displaying destroyed corals. The Airbus A380 also exhibits a strong statement that clearly illustrates the importance of the cause and the urgency to act and inspire the change of collective behaviors.
Environmental impact
The A380 minimizes environmental impact thanks to its reduced fuel burn that generates the lowest carbon footprint per seat for aircraft in its category. Moreover, the performance of the A380 goes in line with Hi Fly’s environmental commitments. By producing only about 75 grams of CO2 per passenger kilometer, the A380 minimizes greenhouse gas emissions being capable of carrying more people with less impact on the environment.
For a easier understanding, it consumes per passenger only around 3,2 liters per 100 kms covered, less than for example a sports car with 4 passengers.
