British Airways Aims for Carbon Leadership with Major Purchases and New Partnerships
- British Airways announces new carbon removals partnerships to become the largest carbon removals purchaser in the UK and the largest airline purchaser of carbon removals*
- The carbon removal credits purchased by British Airways through UK-based company CUR8 and others are crucial in stimulating the carbon removals market
- Roughly one third of British Airways’ emissions reductions by 2050 will come from carbon removals, with this investment forming part of the airline’s wider sustainability transformation plan to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 or sooner, which involves a renewed focus on accelerating action to 2030
- The airline has also partnered with The Earthshot Prize, an organisation that works to discover, spotlight and scale innovative climate solutions across the globe, including aviation fuels and carbon removals
(IN SHORT) British Airways aims to become the largest purchaser of carbon removals in the UK with a new six-year commitment exceeding £9 million. This initiative supports its goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050, with significant progress targeted by 2030. Partnerships with CUR8 and other organizations will facilitate the purchase of carbon removal credits, including projects that capture CO2 from whisky distilleries and enhance reforestation. The airline is also collaborating with The Earthshot Prize to support innovative climate solutions. This strategy underscores British Airways’ commitment to sustainability and its role in advancing the carbon removals market.
(PRESS RELEASE) London, UK, 2024-Sep-26 — /Travel PR News/ — In a significant step towards enhancing its environmental strategy, British Airways has announced its ambition to become the largest purchaser of carbon removals in the UK, supported by a six-year commitment worth over £9 million. This initiative is part of the airline’s comprehensive plan to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, with a focused drive to accelerate efforts by 2030.
The recent partnerships involve acquiring carbon removal credits through collaborations with UK-based CUR8 and other organizations, crucial for stimulating the carbon removals market. Approximately one-third of British Airways’ emissions reductions by 2050 are expected to stem from these carbon removal initiatives.
Noteworthy projects include a pioneering scheme in Scotland that captures CO2 emissions from whisky distilleries for use in building materials, alongside a technique utilizing enhanced rock weathering across various UK locations to sequester carbon for millennia. The airline also supports reforestation projects aimed at expanding forested areas in Scotland and Wales and is investing in international efforts, including carbon capture initiatives in Canada and a biochar project in India that benefits female farmers.
Ian Morgan, Director of Sustainability at British Airways, emphasized the urgency of innovative actions to combat climate change. He stated, “Flying has a significant impact on the planet, and our commitment to carbon removals reflects our dedication to making meaningful progress.”
This latest initiative positions British Airways not only as a leader in carbon removals but also as a catalyst for developing a robust carbon market. The partnership with CUR8 allows the airline to purchase 33,000 tonnes of carbon removal credits, marking a pivotal step in advancing this essential sector.
Marta Krupinska, CEO of CUR8, noted, “British Airways recognizes that carbon removals are crucial to the aviation sector’s path to net zero. Together, we are building a portfolio that merges natural and engineered solutions to help de-risk their future.”
British Airways is also joining forces with The Earthshot Prize, an initiative established by Prince William to highlight and scale innovative climate solutions. This partnership aims to support groundbreaking technologies that can drive significant change in areas such as alternative fuels and waste reduction.
As the airline moves forward, it continues to invest in Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and enhance operational efficiencies. With over 90% of its ground vehicles at Heathrow now powered by zero-emission or hybrid technologies, British Airways is committed to leading the charge in sustainable aviation.
By positioning itself as the largest purchaser of carbon removals in the UK and fostering strategic partnerships, British Airways is taking substantial steps toward a greener future, demonstrating that innovation and commitment are vital in addressing climate challenges.
About Sustainability at British Airways
British Airways recognises that flying comes at an environmental cost and acknowledges the need for urgent action to tackle the impact flying currently has on the planet. The airline was part of the first airline group to commit to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The airline is committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions through a series of short-, medium- and long-term initiatives. In the short-term this includes improving operational efficiency, introducing new fuel efficient aircraft, and progressively introducing sustainable aviation fuels using waste feedstocks, while in the medium to longer term this includes continuing to invest in the development and scale up of sustainable aviation fuel and looking at accelerating the growth of new technologies such as hydrogen-powered aircraft and carbon capture technology. More details on British Airways’ sustainability programme, BA Better World can be found here
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SOURCE: British Airways
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