Oneworld airlines commit to net zero carbon emissions by 2050
Oneworld has become the first global airline alliance to commit to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
The alliance comprises 13 international airlines from around the world, including Qantas, American Airlines and British Airways.
It follows in the footsteps of the UK aviation industry, which has already pledged to cut its net carbon emissions to net zero by 2050.
The global aviation industry as a whole has only promised to achieve half of this goal, having committed to halve emissions (compared to 2005 levels) in the next 30 years.
Oneworld carriers will be responsible for developing their own approaches to hit the net zero target, with tactics including investment in more efficient aircraft, sustainable fuels and carbon offsetting.
Reduction of waste and single-use plastic and various efficiency measures will also be adopted.
American Airlines, for example, has purchased more than 500 more fuel-efficient planes, while BA has invested heavily in biofuel, partnering with Royal Dutch Shell and sustainable fuels technology company Velocys to build Europe’s first plant converting commercial waste into jet fuel.
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.”
Some member airlines are going even further towards securing a more sustainable future, with Finnair aiming to become carbon neutral by 2045.
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