EasyJet unveils roadmap to reach net zero

EasyJet, the Swiss airline with a major hub at Gatwick, has released an SBTi aligned net-zero roadmap, detailing its plans until 2050.

Already producing 18 per cent less carbon emissions than the global narrowbody aircraft average, the announcement sets out a plan to reach net-zero by 2050.

One of the major headlines of the plan is a move away from carbon offsetting towards driving in-sector emissions reductions.

In this vein, it is currently in the process of renewing its fleet. It currently has 168 aircraft on order which feature Airbus’ NEO, meaning “new engine option”, which minimises fuel burn and emissions.

Operationally, it is looking to optimise its aircrafts’ descents into airports, saving fuel, along with single engine taxiing and engine washing.

EasyJet has committed to scaling is Sustainable Aviation Fuels usage in line with Refuel EU’s proposed mandates at a minimum.

Up to a 10 per cent reduction may be achieved by 2035 through the implementation of Single European Sky and the modernisation of UK airspace, which will optimise flight paths.

It has also committed to being an early adopter of zero carbon emissions aircraft when the technology becomes both available and commercially viable.

Read more - easyJet issues carbon offset certificates

Johan Lundgren, CEO of easyJet, said: “Challenging the status quo is in easyJet’s DNA - from making flying affordable for everyone, to leading the sector on decarbonisation.

“I’m very proud to be able to confirm today that our target of a further 35% reduction in carbon emissions intensity by 2035 has now been validated by the Science-Based Targets initiative – making easyJet the first low-cost carrier worldwide to have announced this.

“Since 2000, over a twenty year period, we have already reduced our carbon emissions per passenger, per kilometre by one-third, so this marks a significant acceleration in our decarbonisation.

“Today, we’re the first airline to outline an ambitious roadmap in which zero carbon emission technology plays a key role to take us to net-zero emissions by 2050 and ultimately to zero carbon emission flying across our entire fleet. And I’m really pleased that our partner Rolls Royce has also confirmed today it is making final preparations for the first hydrogen engine tests to take place.  

“We will be implementing our roadmap step by step in the years to come, helping to ensure more sustainable travel is accessible to all for the benefit of the next generation and our planet.”

Read more - Rolls-Royce to test hydrogen-powered plane engines