easyJet has set an interim carbon reduction target with the goal of achieving a 35 percent carbon emissions intensity improvement by FY2035 on a FY2020 baseline. The interim target is part of the airline’s commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
On Thursday (May 19, 2022), easyJet announced the introduction of an interim science-based carbon reduction target of ‘35% by 35’ on their way to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The goal of the interim target is to achieve a 35 percent emissions intensity improvement by FY2035 based on a FY2020 baseline. Since 2000, easyJet has already reduced their carbon emissions per passenger kilometer by over one-third. The carbon reduction pathway has been aligned with the Science-Based Targets (SBT) sectoral decarbonization pathway and has been submitted to the SBT initiative (SBTi) for validation. SBTi requires airlines to decarbonize within their own operation, without the use of offsetting or other market-based mechanisms.
In Thursday’s announcement, easyJet’s CEO, Johan Lundgren, said,
“Decarbonising aviation is the challenge of a generation, but we know it can and must be done. We have now embarked on our journey to net-zero and while there will be challenges along the way, I’m really excited about what lies ahead. It is on us to protect the benefits of aviation for generations to come, while at the same time ensure we do all possible to protect our planet for them.”
easyJet plans to achieve this ambitious target through fleet renewal, operational improvements and efficiencies, airspace modernization and the use of SAF. The carrier operates a young fuel-efficient fleet of narrowbody jets, and easyJet is the second largest single-brand operator of Airbus A320neo Family aircraft in Europe. All of the airline’s aircraft deliveries from FY22 and FY28 will be neos, which offer a 15 percent reduction in fuel burn and a 50 percent smaller noise footprint compared to the aircraft they replace. By switching to more fuel efficient aircraft and upgauging to larger aircraft, easyJet is able to achieve higher absolute fuel efficiency and lower emissions per seat.
The carrier continues to improve operational efficiencies by adjusting standard operating procedures to reduce fuel consumption through initiatives such as single-engine taxiing on arrival and departure, using advanced weather information to improve navigation, and by engine washing to improve turbine performance. easyJet is also using new software and AI to identify additional efficiencies, complemented by partnerships with Airbus, Collins Aerospace, NATS and Eurocontrol.
Airspace modernization is another crucial industrywide goal which will allow the operation of more direct flight paths and reduced flying times. easyJet is working with stakeholders and public authorities to advance this initiative including projects such as the Single European Sky, which hopes to achieve a 10 percent emissions savings from European aviation. Additionally, the carrier is committed to using SAF at scale in the interim to achieve reduced material lifecycle carbon emissions compared to traditional kerosene, with the sustainable fuel produced from a wide range of feedstocks, municipal solid waste or used cooking oils.
As part of their net-zero by 2050 roadmap, easyJet is also working with partners across the industry, including Airbus, Rolls-Royce, GKN Aerospace, Cranfield Aerospace solutions and Wright Electric, on several dedicated projects to accelerate the development of zero-emission aircraft technology.
Finally, as part of the airline’s holistic approach to sustainability, easyJet is elimination over 36 million single-use plastic items used inflight, and has introduced crew uniforms made from recycled plastic bottles. With 45 bottles going into each uniform, the program has the potential of preventing 2.7 million plastic bottles from entering a landfill or the ocean over the next five years. The uniforms are made from a high-tech material that is produced using renewable energy sources.
easyJet carries nearly 100 million passengers annually on around 1,000 routes to over 150 airports in 35 countries. The airline has a fleet of over 300 aircraft and over 300 million Europeans live within an hour’s drive of an airport served by easyJet. The 25 plus year old low-cost carrier is dedicated to innovation and leads the industry in digital, web, engineering and operational efficiencies. easyJet was named “Britain’s Most Admired Company” in the transport sector for 2020, based on the longest running annual corporate reputation study in the UK.
Source: easyJet