Archive for the ‘sustainable travel’ Category

Bromley Introduces ‘SuperDuper’ Package for Kids; Start Fun, Start Free events; Massive Snowmaking Upgrades

September 5, 2014
Bromley is has a variety of terrain that will satisfy everyone from first-timers to those looking for an adrenaline rush © 2014 Dave Leiberman/news-photos-features.com

Bromley has a variety of terrain that will satisfy everyone from first-timers to those looking for an adrenaline rush © 2014 Dave Leiberman/news-photos-features.com

Bromley Mountain, Vermont, is removing the cost factor from that tricky trial period of learning to ski & snowboard. This season’s Start Fun, Start Free events have been set for December 21, 2014, January 19, 2015 and March 15, 2015, when up to 75 guests, ages 6 and up can enjoy a day on snow, free of charge. Registrants will receive an all-day Learning Zone lift ticket, an all-day Rental of ski or snowboard equipment, and instruction in the Learning Zone from 10:30am until noon. Call 802/824/5522 to pre-register.

Following the “free” theme, Bromley is introducing the Super Duper Ski Package, partnering its Kidsrule Mountain Camps program with Elan skis. This $599 package includes 6 Kidsrule lessons, a free pair of Elan Starr skis with Quick Trick bindings, a coupon for great deals on boots, poles and accessories, plus a Bromley Season Pass! (The Season Pass isn’t new… since Kidsrule’s inception in 2011/12, every child that completes 6 Kidsrule lessons receives a full Season Pass.) The package saves $223 on lessons alone, the free skis retail for about $220, plus the value of a season pass (check bromley.com for the current rates). Limited packages available; click here for full details.

Snowmaking Efficiency Upgrades – More SNOW! This winter season, Bromley is adding 74 brand new high efficiency HKD tower guns, complete with hoses, and scrapping our 59 remaining energy-hog ground guns. The 100% efficient equipment eliminates the need to rent diesel powered air compressors (a first in Bromley snowmaking history!) and adds permanent tower gun coverage to four trails. One of the reasons Bromley was able to scrap the ground guns was Efficiency Vermont, which offered a new incentive for Vermont Ski Resorts (more on the statewide initiative here) last spring. “Get rid of all your inefficient guns, and receive really, really, REALLY good incentives to purchase new, state of the art high efficiency equipment.”

Other new and exciting happenings in the Bromley snowmaking world include: Collaborating with HKD to develop a new design for a portable tower gun. One side-effect to surrendering the ground guns is a loss of flexibility in gun placement for tricky spots, steep spots, spots the tower guns just don’t go. In order to maintain portable options, 6 of the new tower guns will be just 6’ tall, mounted on a stable tri-pod (instead of a sled, like other portable tower guns) with specially developed nozzles to allow moisture coming out of these shorter guns the appropriate “hang-time” necessary for making good quality snow with tower guns.

Is it possible to further maximize efficiency? In partnership with Efficiency Vermont, Vermont’s Sun Mountain plans to find out by installing the first Snowmaking Energy Index (SEI) in the United States this winter. This system will allow Bromley’s snowmakers to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of its snowmaking system in real time, giving its team the ability to adjust variables allowing for maximum output, best quality snow and lowest energy consumption possible at all times.

Bromley is also the first resort in Vermont to install an Intelli-Flow Controller, giving the option to increase snow output by maximizing available air from the compressors based on real time environmental factors. For greater detail on snowmaking improvements, check Bromley’s snowmaking blog.

Bromley Mountain is located at 3984 Vermont Route 11, Peru, Vermont, six miles east of Manchester. For information, visit bromley.com, 802-824-5522.

 

See:

BROMLEY MOUNTAIN, CELEBRATING 75th ANNIVERSARY, STILL PINNACLE OF ‘CLASSIC VERMONT’ SKIING FOR FAMILIES

 

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Gift of Travel that Gives Back: Travcoa Offers Series of African ‘Hand-to-Hand’ Itineraries that Give Back to Community

December 13, 2012

From education to cultural awareness and preservation, travel enriches the lives of everyone it touches. This holiday season, Travcoa, the world leader in luxury travel, is presenting a series of African itineraries that belong to the ‘Hand-to-Hand’ portfolio – journeys which showcase the abundance of African hospitality while contributing to communities throughout each journey.

“Our Africa ‘Hand-to-Hand’ journeys contribute to social enterprise-supported projects that fund education, health, self-reliance, and conservation initiatives,” stated Jerre Fuqua. “These trips are ideal for couples and families interested in sharing a meaningful experience as a holiday gift this year.”

Each of the finely-crafted journeys to Africa feature world-class accommodations and support organizations that contribute to community building projects:

Grandeur of Zimbabwe & South Africa Independent Journey – 18 days from $18,995 per person
In Zimbabwe, Singita Pamushana supports the Malilangwe Trust, an organization that feeds 19,000 children per day in adjoining villages. In South Africa, guests visit the inspiring Uthando Project in the townships of Cape Town, and participate in an interactive tour on a range of topics, including the environment and the care and protection of children, women and the elderly.

Travcoa makes a contribution to Uthando’s projects on behalf of each guest. Also, Singita Sabi Sand sponsors the “Growing to Read” program, which enhances early education efforts, and Singita Lebombo supports the School of Cooking, an organization that develops culinary skills in communities bordering Kruger National Park.

Pure Kenya Independent Journey – 11 days from $5,695 per person
This journey visits the Kalama Wildlife Conservancy where guests stay at Saruni Samburu. The lodge uses all guest revenue to cover operating costs of the conservancy and fund community projects. Guests also visit the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, which rescues orphan elephants and rhinos and reintroduces them to the wild. Travcoa adopts an elephant in each guests’ name.

Grand Safari: Kenya & Tanzania Escorted Journey – 15 days from $10,990 per person
During this journey, guests stay at Governors Camp in the Masai Mara Game Reserve. The camp built the region’s first Bio-Gas Project to help the Maasai people conserve the woodlands, rather than use resources for cooking fuel. Travcoa provides a contribution to this project on behalf of each guest. This journey also visits the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, as well as the Amboseli Elephant Research Project.

For more information on Travcoa’s Africa ‘Hand-to-Hand’ journeys, to request a brochure, or to make a reservation, please contact a travel agent or a Travcoa Journey Consultant at 1-800-992-2003, email info@travcoa.com or visit www.travcoa.com.

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Travcoa Develops New Collection of Itineraries Incorporating Philanthropic Initiatives

March 16, 2012

Travcoa, a world leader in luxury travel, is continuing its support of socially responsible travel by launching a new collection of philanthropic-focused journeys for 2013.

Collaborating with social enterprises and NGOs (non-governmental organizations), the new collection will engage Travcoa guests in outreach programs that support and empower community self-reliance, health, education and the conservation of traditional cultures, wildlife and natural resources. These life-changing experiences will enable Travcoa guests to contribute positively to the destinations they visit, and in turn rewarding them with a source of deep personal fulfillment.

“The benefits of philanthropic-focused travel are multi-faceted,” stated Jerre Fuqua, President of Travcoa. “Many of our guests already contribute to important causes in their daily life and they also want to make a difference in the communities they visit. By traveling with Travcoa, our guests will discover that together they can help support the local economy and impact the lives of the people they meet. Travcoa’s expanded philanthropic efforts will engage and inspire our guests through active and authentic encounters that focus on key issues facing the places we visit. These journeys will provide our guests with an opportunity to ‘give back’ while they travel.”

Travcoa is aligning 2013 product development with suppliers that engage in sustainable initiatives and work respectfully with indigenous communities and conservation-focused organizations. The company’s goal is that by the end of 2013 at least 50 percent of their suppliers be actively involved in socially responsible initiatives, and that an equal percentage of Travcoa itineraries incorporate at least one project visit per journey.

The brand new collection of philanthropic- and Corporate Social Responsibility-focused journeys will go hand-in-hand with projects that Travcoa and its guests currently support:

• The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya — Travcoa sponsors an infant elephant on behalf of each guest traveling on the Grand Safari: Kenya & Tanzania Escorted Journey.

• The Gandhi Ashram School in Sikkim — Guests on the Festivals of Bhutan Escorted Journey visit the school, and Travcoa makes a donation to the organization.

• Huilloc Community in the Urubamba Valley — Travcoa makes a donation on behalf of guests who visit the community while traveling on the Hiram Bingham’s Hidden Peru Escorted Journey.

• The Lotus Children’s Center in Mongolia — Guests on the Sands of Time: Mongolia & the Gobi Desert Escorted Journey visit the school, and Travcoa makes a donation to the organization.

Travcoa has been leading luxury adventures and in-depth explorations of the world’s most interesting destinations since 1954. The company offers three types of travel experiences around the globe: small-group Escorted Journeys with comprehensive itineraries guided by professional Travel Directors; pre-designed and priced Independent Journeys for travelers who prefer private travel on a date of their choice; and Tailor-Made Journeys crafted to individual traveler specifications. For information, visit www.travcoa.com/.
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Village Experience Offers Ways to Make Holiday Giving, Spring Break Socially Responsible

November 25, 2011

The Village Experience travels responsibly to make a difference in developing communities around the world. This spring break, trips are being organized to Haiti and Guatemala

The Village Experience is a socially proactive business dedicated to uplifting impoverished communities in the developing world through efforts in international fair trade and tourism. In March and June of 2012, the company travels to three of their many locations in order to expose Westerners to other cultures and global issues through intense and highly interactive cultural trips.

Spring Break, a time for travel and adventure, can be spent making a difference in the developing world. The first site, Haiti, will offer a variety of socially responsible activities. For the first trip March 3-10, travelers will volunteer at Camp Adokin, the second largest tent city in Port au Prince, working alongside the local community to install solar paneled lighting in order to increase the camp’s security. They will also aid in handicraft development while enjoying Haitian natural beauties, such as Bassin Bleu. The second trip, March 10-17, will feature similar aspects but will also focus its efforts on earthquake reconstruction efforts.

The second location for spring break travel is Guatemala, providing travelers with fun adventure and establishing economic sustainability. The Guatemala trip, March 3-10, will feature Lake Atitlán, renowned as one of the world’s most beautiful lakes and home to fourteen Mayan cultures still in existence. Travelers will spend a day with the local non-profit, Friendship Bridges, providing micro-credit and education to Guatemalan women so they might self-create solutions to poverty in the community.

In June, The Village Experience takes an alternative route and heads to the vast lands of the Middle East for a two-week exploration of Jordan, Israel, and Palestine. Centered on interfaith experiences, travelers can expect an opportunity to see historic and landmark sites such as The Roman Theater in Amman, the Dome of Rock and Western Wall in Jerusalem, and volunteering and staying within the Dheisheh Refugee Camp in Palestine. The group will also immerse itself in Middle Eastern life through conversing with locals, a desert safari on camel back, Dead Sea swims, and visiting Petra, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World!

Alongside the socially responsible travel, The Village Experience has a retail store located in Indianapolis, Indiana, filled with unique, international, and (most importantly) Fair Trade products from the far reaches of Kenya, Haiti, Thailand, Guatemala, India, and many more!. Following the link will provide you with photos of just some of the products featured. Call  317-602-3696 or email at info@experiencethevillage.com to place an order this holiday season.

For more information, www.experiencethevillage.com
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Village-Experience/117914784831

See also:

Holiday shopping with travel motif can support worthy causes

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Crystal Cruises Sets New Standard of Voluntourism Excursions for Fall New England, Canada, and Caribbean Sailings

July 12, 2011

This September/October, Crystal Cruises’ guests and staff will help international refugees resettle in Canada, Massachusetts children-in-need survive winter, feed the hungry in Halifax, and care for stray/rescued donkeys in Antigua—all as part of the ultra-luxe cruise line’s “You Care, We Care” program in New England, Canada, and the Caribbean this fall.

This September/October, Crystal Cruises’ guests and staff will help international refugees resettle in Canada, Massachusetts children-in-need survive winter, feed the hungry in Halifax, and care for stray/rescued donkeys in Antigua—all as part of the ultra-luxe cruise line’s “You Care, We Care” program in New England, Canada, and the Caribbean this fall.

Volunteer opportunities are offered gratis on every 2011 sailing, giving guests and crew an easy, hands-on way to “give back” to local communities, while simultaneously providing an alternative cultural perspective to traditional shore excursions.

Participants may assist four aid organizations on five east coast Crystal Symphony voyages:

  • Cradles to Crayons (9/16 and 10/8—Boston): Prepare vital winter items for homeless/low-income children, from schoolbags to warm coats and shoes.
  • Romero House (9/30—St. John, New Brunswick): Provide kitchen aid for a housing community that assists less-fortunate locals and resettling refugees.
  • Feed Nova Scotia (10/20—Halifax): Help food bank preparation/distribution.
  • Donkey Sanctuary at the Antigua & Barbuda Humane Society (10/31—Antigua): Feed, clean, or walk the shelter’s stray donkeys, dogs and cats. Launched in January, 2011,

Launched in January, 2011, Crystal’s “You Care, We Care” program has been widely recognized as a trailblazing effort for socially responsible tourism.

“While we always seek unique adventures for our guests, we created this program as a very personal way for Crystal travelers to give back to the many destinations that have given us so much through the years,” says Thomas Mazloum, senior vice president operations. “We’ve already seen incredibly positive ripple effects in peoples’ lives, and we can’t wait to continue our efforts through the year.”

Crystal’s voluntourism efforts thus far in 2011 have helped orphans, animals and the environment. June/July projects include caretaking cats and birds at the oldest independent animal protection organization in Norway and a summer-long project of rehab-ing an eco-friendly salmon hatchery and education facility in Alaska.

A cornerstone of Crystal Cruises’ culture is its genuine hospitality and service that has been internationally-celebrated for two decades. This spirit of generosity extends to its respectful treatment of the environment, oceans and communities in which it travels.

For more information/Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625. Visit www.crystalcruises.com.

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European Bicycle Tours on a Budget: 10 One-Week Tours Under $1,000

June 11, 2011

The Prague to Dresden bike trip follows the Vltava and Elbe Rivers from the cultural center of Prague through Saxon Switzerland to Dresden, the so-called “Florence of the North.” BikeToursDirect helps travelers choose tours and handles the booking and payment process © 2011 David Leiberman/news-photos-features.com.

Travelers interested in European bicycle tours can still find bargains—despite the weak dollar—with dozens of one-week, nearly all-inclusive tours in Europe under $1,000. Tours can be booked through U.S.-based BikeToursDirect, which represents nearly 50 European bicycle tour companies in 35 countries and offers more than 200 tours on its website, www.biketoursdirect.com.

The local tour companies can keep their tour prices down due to the low cost of doing business close to home and to spreading their expenses over a large, primarily European client base.   Another way travelers can save money: in addition to guided tours—with ride-along guides, support vans and dinners—most European companies offer less expensive self-guided options.

BikeToursDirect president Jim Johnson stresses that self-guided tours are far from self-contained. “With self-guided tours, you have a lot of support,” he says. “Your lodging is pre-booked, your luggage is transferred from hotel to hotel, your rental bikes are delivered to your start hotel and picked up at your end hotel, you get detailed maps and route information, and a local liaison is also there to orient and assist you.”

Most European bike tours are appropriate for families and novice cyclists, and many have weekly and even daily departures. Here are ten top tours under $1,000 (per person, double occupancy, based on mid-May 2011 exchange rates):

  • Danube Bicycle Path (Austria): Experience Europe’s second-most popular bicycle path, which runs along well-signed, dedicated, nearly flat bike paths through vineyards and medieval towns, taking travelers from Passau, Germany to Vienna.
  • Mosel Bike Path (Germany): Explore the best-known wine-growing region of Germany along one of its most scenic rivers, with visits to castles and medieval towns. The tour starts in Germany’s 2,000-year old city of Trier and ends at the Rhine.
  • Loire Valley (France): Discover the most peaceful part of the Loire Valley with its vineyards, chateaux, quiet villages and medieval towns.
  • Provence (France): Take a ride through France’s sunshine country, along the Mediterranean coast and through medieval towns, with visits to architectural masterworks such as the papal palace in Avignon, the Arena in Arles and the Roman aqueduct, Pont du Gard.
  • Tuscany (Italy): Experience the “Italian jewel” of landscape and culture as you cycle past castles and hilltop villages, vineyards and olive groves.
  • Brussels to Bruges (Belgium): Explore a region rich with art and historic architecture along the Flanders Cycle Route, which features easy and flat cycling between sea, canals and dunes, with stops at churches, abbeys, castles and windmills.

BikeToursDirect bills itself as a “one-stop resource for bike tours in Europe and beyond” and helps cycle tourists find tours based on preferences like destination, month, duration, cost and level of difficulty. Clients book tours and make all payments through BikeToursDirect, usually at the same prices charged by the European companies. The site also offers helpful advice and travel tips such as how to choose a tour and what to pack.

BikeToursDirect’s primary offices are in Chattanooga, Tenn. Telephone:  1-877-462-2423 or 1-423-756-8907. Email: info@biketoursdirect.com. Web site: www.biketoursdirect.com.

About BikeToursDirect

BikeToursDirect, now in its eighth season, serves as a central resource for bicycle tours in Europe, representing more than 50 tour companies that offer more than 200 tours in 35 European countries and is currently expanding to Asia, Africa and Australia. BikeToursDirect offers a variety of resources to help travelers choose tours and handles the entire booking and payment process. Learn more at www.biketoursdirect.com. Telephone:  1-877-462-2423 or 1-423-756-8907. Email: info@biketoursdirect.com.

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Eco-Friendly Rail Vacations For Earth Day–And Every Other Day

April 20, 2011

Traveling by rail isn't just good for the environment and the wallet, it also is a unique adventure, giving a special perspective of scenery. Here, Alaska's train, from Denali National Park to Talkeetna © 2011 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Go “green” and save with vacations that are kind to the environment and the pocket book

Chicago, Illinois – April 18, 2011 –

With Earth Day around the corner, the environment—and our role in protecting it—is top of mind as we’re reminded of our social responsibility be it in every day activities or in coordinating the annual family vacation. Travelers interested in planning an eco-friendly getaway need not look further than a train package from Vacations By Rail. The Chicago-based travel company specializes in train vacations to popular destinations throughout the world that decrease one’s carbon footprint and the impact of travel on the environment while offering a unique vacation experience.

Within the United States, Vacations By Rail incorporates travel aboard some of Amtrak’s most iconic trains including the legendary California Zephyr, historic Empire Builder, and stunning Coast Starlight. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, domestic travel by train is 20% more efficient than air travel and 28% more efficient than travel by car on a per-passenger-mile basis.

Similarly, train travel within Canada has been made even more environmentally-friendly with the use of greener locomotives along VIA Rail’s transcontinental rail routes as well as eco-friendly maintenance practices among other green innovations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Train travel is also more energy efficient, using less fuel per passenger mile than cars or airplanes. With the price of gasoline expected to reach unprecedented rates per gallon this summer, it is also an affordable mode of transportation for upcoming vacations. Handing over driving and navigation duties to the railroad, travelers can experience parts of the country accessible by no other means of transportation when riding the rails, enjoying a unique perspective of nature and its unspoiled beauty.

Go green with Vacations By Rail. Select from hundreds of vacations that include historic rail routes, eco-friendly trains, breathtaking scenery, unique sightseeing, and National Parks. Visit www.vacationsbyrail.com or speak with a rail specialist at 877-929-7245.

About Vacations by Rail:
Vacations By Rail is the leading seller of rail travel and tours in North America and the trusted authority on rail vacations. Travelers can choose from the largest selection of independent rail vacations, escorted rail tours, and luxury rail journeys around the world.  Vacations By Rail also provides virtually every European rail pass and ticket to meet customers’ European travel needs. For more information on Vacations By Rail and the company’s products, visit www.vacationsbyrail.com or call 877-929-7245.

Vail Cascade Resort marks Earth Day with renewed focus on sustainability

April 20, 2011

Vail, Colorado in summer offers opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities. Vail Cascade Resort is committed to sustainable travel © 2011 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

The Vail Cascade Resort recognizes Earth Day on Friday, April 22 with a renewed focus on protecting the environment, fostering education regarding environmentally friendly actions and recognizing leaders within the resort who support sustainable living practices.  In celebration of Earth Day, associates have the opportunity to participate in “green initiatives” such as flower and herb garden planting on property, highway and river clean-ups, and encouragement to carpool, walk or ride a bike to work.

Additionally, Vail Cascade Resort general manager Brett Schoenfield has issued the following proclamation:

“Over the past three years, the Vail Cascade Resort has adopted the Destination Earth program with the knowledge that the resort’s customers and associates all benefit from a healthy, sustainable environment.   The property has a designated ‘green team’ onsite and has made a commitment to pursuing the following ideals:

  • Sourcing environmentally responsible services and products locally, and purchasing organic, Earth-friendly and recycled supplies whenever possible.
  • Purchasing fresh and sustainable foods locally grown, whenever possible.
  • Creating partnerships with other organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to preserving the environment.
  • Encouraging associates to apply eco-friendly practices in their daily operations.

Schoenfield concluded by stating, “At Vail Cascade Resort, we acknowledge that the Earth’s environment needs our genuine protection and care, and on the upcoming celebration of Earth Day this Friday, we proclaim our continued dedication to the Destination Earth program.”

Vail Cascade Resort was also awarded a “5 Green Keys” designation from Green Key Global, an organization that specifically recognizes eco-responsibility in the lodging and hospitality sector.  A statement regarding the award from Green Key Global noted that the Vail Cascade “is a hotel that exemplifies the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility throughout all areas of operations.  The hotel employs cutting-edge technologies, policies and programs which set an international standard for sustainable hotel operations.”

For more information on Destination Earth, visit www.destinationhotels.com/green-hotels-resorts/.  Green Key Global information is located at www.greenkeyglobal.com. Reservations and more information about Vail Cascade can be found at www.vailcascade.com, or by calling 1-800-420-2424.

Resort Specials:

Summer and autumn in Vail?  You have to see it to believe it, especially with these great rate.  Plus, the longer you stay the more you save and play:

  • Stay 1-3 nights, receive 15% off
  • Stay 4 nights, receive 20% off
  • Stay 5 or more nights, receive 25% off

Book now through November 17, 2011 by calling 1-800-420-2424 and refer to promo code vctaymorew1

Students Worldwide to ‘Fly Ideas’ for Greener Flight, €30,000 Prize in Airbus Competition

July 25, 2010

University students worldwide can shape the future of flight and win €30,000 (about $44,000) in a global competition launched today by Airbus at the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom.

The Airbus Fly Your Ideas (FYI) competition challenges students worldwide to develop new ideas for a greener aviation industry. The biennial contest involves three progressively challenging rounds judged by a panel of Airbus and industry experts. It concludes with a final at next summer’s International Paris Airshow – Le Bourget, France. The winners will share the top prize of € 30,000; the runners-up €15,000 (about $22,000).

Announcing the launch of FYI 2011, Charles Champion, Airbus Executive Vice President Engineering and FYI patron, said: “Fly Your Ideas is a unique opportunity for students to be part of Airbus’ vision for an eco-efficient aviation industry of the future. The competition is designed to stimulate ideas for both a more connected and sustainable world. It also enables Airbus to engage with students and research teams to identify R&T opportunities to balance the increased demand for air travel with a better environment.”

Students of any age, nationality, gender or discipline – from engineering to marketing; business to science; philosophy to design – are invited to take part. Proposals are welcome on all aspects of the ‘Environmental Life Cycle’ – an innovative approach Airbus uses to improve the environmental performance of an aircraft and its production process. It consists of five stages: design; supply chain; manufacturing; aircraft operations and aircraft end-of-life.

FYI 2011 follows the success of the inaugural contest launched in October 2008. Some 2,350 students from over 80 countries took part with the multinational team COz from the University of Queensland, Australia, judged eventual winners at Le Bourget 2009. Their project focused on the use of a pioneering natural fibre composite – made from castor plants – in aircraft cabins.

Benjamin Lindenberger (27), who was part of the FYI 2009 winning team “COz”, added: “Winning the FYI challenge 2009 was a great experience. But the opportunity to work with Airbus experts, gain industry insight and develop transferable skills was just as valuable.”

To enter FYI 2011 students must register as a team of three to five members on the competition website by 30 November 2010. For further information and to register visit: www.airbus-fyi.com

Registration closes November 30, 2010. Project proposals must be submitted by December 10, 2010. Those shortlisted for Round 2 will develop their ideas into more detailed submissions with support from Airbus staff. Five finalist teams will win a VIP trip to Paris in June 2011 and make presentations to an independent jury – including industry experts – who will announce their decision at the FYI 2011 awards ceremony.