Monday 14 September 2020

oneworld member airlines commit to net zero emissions by 2050

Global aviation alliance oneworld has announced its 13 member airlines have committed to net zero emissions by 2050.

The group includes airline companies American Airlines, British Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways and others.

The development could see the consortium become the 'first' global airline alliance to commit to achieving carbon-neutrality.

The alliance’s 13 member airlines plan to achieve this target within the existing environmental framework previously agreed to by global governments, including through the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

Many member airlines are prioritising a range of sustainability initiatives through their announced environmental strategies.

Several other measures, including the use of more sustainable materials, investing in more fuel-efficient aircraft and the development of sustainable aviation fuels are also in progress.

oneworld Chairman and Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said: “The commitment of oneworld member airlines to reach net zero emissions by 2050 underlines the importance that we as an alliance have placed on becoming a more sustainable industry.

"Despite the challenges we are all facing amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, we have not lost sight of the responsibility we have to reduce emissions in the long term and today’s announcement reflects the strength of that commitment.”