easyJet launches roadmap to achieve net-zero carbon emission by 2050

• Airline launches detailed plan to net-zero carbon emissions within next 30 years, with the ultimate ambition to be flying on zero carbon emission hydrogen planes
• Six in 10 Brits are excited about the prospect of zero carbon emission aircraft with four in 10 confident of zero emission planes in the next 15 years
• 82% believe zero carbon emission flying is the best approach to achieving net-zero in aviation
• Research also unveils the top 10 actions Brits undertake to help the environment when flying abroad

London, UK, 2022-Sep-27 — /Travel PR News/ — easyJet has launched the aviation world’s most ambitious plan to achieve net-zero carbon emission by 2050, in a new roadmap revealed by the airline today (SEPTEMBER 26 2022).

The plan will see the airline reach net-zero through a series of elements, with the ultimate ambition to be flying on zero carbon emission hydrogen-powered aircraft. easyJet is already working with partners across the industry, including Airbus and Rolls-Royce on several dedicated projects to accelerate the development of zero carbon emission aircraft technology.

This is complemented by carbon removal technology to physically remove carbon from the atmosphere and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) as an interim measure, as well as building on work the airline is already doing to make its everyday operations ever-more fuel efficient and advocating for airspace modernisation, to reduce the use of fuel by flying more direct routes.

The announcement comes as new research by the airline has revealed that over three-quarters of the public (76%) think that companies need to urgently set out how they will achieve net-zero this century and demonstrate how they are operating more sustainably.

The same study showed that 82% of Brits think that zero carbon emission flying, for example on hydrogen aircraft, is the best option to truly decarbonise aviation.

60% of Brits are excited about the prospect of flying on zero carbon emission aircraft like hydrogen planes, with four in 10 confident they will see zero carbon emission planes within the next 15 years.

Johan Lundgren, CEO of easyJet, said:

“Challenging the status quo is in easyJet’s DNA. 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 carbon emissions by 2050. And 82% of the British public agree with us, believing that zero carbon emission flying is the best approach to truly decarbonise aviation.

By implementing our roadmap step by step in the years to come, we’re committed to ensuring there is a sustainable future of aviation for the benefit of the next generation and our planet.”

The nationwide study of 2,000 British holiday makers, conducted by easyJet, revealed that 78% of us will chose an airline based on their sustainability credentials when travelling in the future and 70% would commit to a ‘zero carbon emission’ holiday if it was available to them.

76% of travellers today actively seek to reduce the impact of their travel plans on the environment. These plans include taking a European holiday over a long-haul flight (33%), choosing an airline which does more to fly sustainably (such as operating efficiently, with a high load factor and a young fleet) (30%), or choosing an eco-friendly hotel (30%).

The Top 10 actions Brits undertake to help the environment when flying abroad are as follows:

1. Recycling food waste and plastic according to local guidelines (35%)
2. Taking a holiday in Europe to reduce emission compared with long-haul flying (34%)
3. Choosing an airline which does more to fly sustainably (31%)
4. Choosing an eco-friendly hotel or accommodation (30%)
5. Choosing to walk and cycle when travelling around local areas (28%)
6. Eating and drinking local produce (such as local wine) (25%)
7. Limiting energy use in accommodation (such as turning lights off) (24%)
8. Using your phone instead of printing off flight and hotel bookings and itineraries (21%)
9. Conserving water by showering less (17%)
10. Avoiding damaging recreational activities to the local area (13%)

Additionally, 84% of Brits care more about doing their bit for the planet while travelling today than they did 10 years ago. And whilst travelling abroad, over a third of Brits (38%) feel it’s important to get to know the local community when visiting somewhere new.  Over half (56%) of travellers think it’s important to support local eateries, and 32% ensure they try and speak to the locals about their community and culture when holidaying in foreign climates.

Notes to editors:

About easyJet

easyJet is Europe’s leading airline offering a unique and winning combination of the best route network connecting Europe’s primary airports, with great value fares and friendly service.

easyJet flies on more of Europe’s most popular routes than any other airline and carried more than 96 million passengers in 2019 – more than 16 million travelling for business. The airline has over 300 aircraft on nearly 1000 routes to more than 150 airports across 35 countries. Over 300 million Europeans live within one hour’s drive of an easyJet airport.

easyJet aims to be a good corporate citizen, employing people on local contracts in eight countries across Europe in full compliance with national laws and recognising their trade unions. The airline supports several local charities and has a corporate partnership with UNICEF which has raised over £14m for the most vulnerable children since it was established in 2012.

The airline takes sustainability seriously and committed to reaching net-zero carbon emission flying by 2050 when it joined the UN-backed Race to Zero. Together with its partners, including Airbus, Rolls-Royce, GKN Aerospace, Cranfield Aerospace Solutions and Wright Electric, easyJet is working to accelerate the development of zero carbon emission aircraft technology. In the meantime, easyJet continues to renew its fleet, operate efficiently, and aims to fill most of its seats. Since 2000, over a 20-year period, the airline has already reduced its carbon emissions per passenger, per kilometre by one-third.

Innovation is in easyJet’s DNA – since launching over 25 years ago, easyJet changed the way people fly to the present day where the airline leads the industry in digital, web, engineering and operational innovations to make travel more easy and affordable for its passengers.

The airline was named as Britain’s Most Admired Company of 2020 in the transport sector, retaining the leading position for a second year running. Britain’s Most Admired Companies study is the longest-running annual survey of corporate reputation in the UK.

Contact:

Press Office
01582 525252
www.easyJet.com
@easyJet_Press

Source: easyJet

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