JetBlue is increasing its use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and moving away from buying carbon offsets.
The moves are part of its ambitious emissions reduction targets including a commitment to reduce jet-fuel emissions by 50% per revenue tonne-kilometre by 2035 from 2019 levels.
This is JetBlue’s most aggressive near-term emissions reduction target to-date, and aligns with the goals of the Paris Agreement and the airline’s own goal to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2040 – 10 years ahead of broader airline industry targets.
The airline is increasing its investments in lower-carbon solutions within its operation.
That includes having electric vehicles on tarmacs and retiring less fuel efficient jets earlier.
The airline will continue to buy a “small quantity of voluntary high-integrity credits” for flying from 2024 and to compensate for emissions from expanding its international flights.
JetBlue also recognizes how critical external partners are to decarbonizing the aviation industry and is committed to encouraging and supporting efforts by aircraft and engine manufacturers, governments, regulatory agencies, and fuel suppliers to realize their own GHG emission reduction goals.
Read the full details of JetBlue’s plans.
Robin Hayes chief executive officer, JetBlue:
“Effectively cutting our per-seat emissions in half will require substantial change to the way we run our business today.
“Our team is fully committed to hitting the goal, but we can’t do it alone. We are calling on governments, aircraft and engine manufacturers, and fuel producers to support the development of the products and solutions that airlines need to achieve our ambitious goals.”
easyJet to cut carbon offsets
easyJet has been offsetting carbon emissions from the fuel used by its flights since late 2019 by paying for projects like deforestation or planting trees.
From 1 January 2023, it is stopping those payments and introducing a voluntary carbon offsetting option that passengers can pay for.
N.B. Image credit: JetBlue
Internet links
JetBlue (B6)