Virgin Atlantic has announced a series of carbon reduction
targets as it renews its mission to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 in line
with the global aviation industry.
The airline is aiming for a gross reduction in CO2 per
revenue tonne kilometres (RTK) by 15 per cent against a 2019 baseline by 2026
and says it will achieve this through continued fleet transformation and
operational efficiency.
By 2030, Virgin Atlantic wants a 15 per cent net reduction
in total CO2 emissions, including 10 per cent of fuel sourced from sustainable
aviation fuel (SAF). This is in line with goals set by other airlines such as IAG's British Airways, Aer Lingus and Iberia, Cathay Pacific, All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines.
Then, by 2040, Virgin Atlantic aims to achieve a 40 per cent
net reduction in total CO2 emissions before targeting net zero 10 years later.
As part of its sustainability initiatives, the carrier
claims to operate one of the youngest and most environmentally friendly fleets
of twin-engine planes following a multi-billion-dollar investment over the last
decade, which delivered a 20 per cent reduction in carbon emissions.
Virgin Atlantic is also partnered with LanzaTech on the
development and use of SAF. Together, the companies operated the first flight powered
by SAFs in 2018. The airline is supporting LanzaTech’s efforts to build a SAF
plant in the UK by 2025. It has also partnered with Storegga Geotechnologies
and Carbon Engineering to accelerate the use of direct air capture of CO2.
The carrier is a founding member of Sustainable Aviation and
the UK’s Jet Zero Council and also participates in the Clean Skies for Tomorrow
coalition.
Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic, said: “We know that as
an airline we have a pivotal role to play in protecting the planet while
connecting people across the globe and strengthening crucial trade connections.
“…as we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic we have a unique
opportunity to ensure we return to the skies more sustainably. The carbon
targets outlined today will help us achieve this as we work tirelessly on our
mission to reach net zero emissions by 2050.”