British Airways has announced a new sustainability programme in a bid to reduce emissions and waste while “positively contributing” to the local communities it serves.
The “BA Better World” initiative launched on Tuesday (7 September) as the airline announced a partnership with BP to source sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for all of its flights between London, Glasgow and Edinburgh during the UK COP26 conference in November.
It will reportedly provide a lifecycle carbon reduction of up to 80% compared with the traditional jet fuel it replaces.
The airline is also inviting customers to purchase sustainable aviation fuel to reduce their carbon footprint via its not-for-profit organisation Pure Leapfrog.
The carrier also collaborated with Airbus to paint one of its A320neo aircrafts in its new sustainability programme colours.
Speaking at the event, British Airways chief executive and chairman Sean Doyle said the programme is the airline’s “most important journey yet” to a “better, more sustainable future”.
“We’re clear that we have a responsibility to reduce our impact on the planet and have a detailed plan to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, including investing in more fuel-efficient aircraft, improving our operational efficiency and investing in the development of sustainable aviation fuel and zero emissions aircraft,” he said.
BA, as part of an IAG commitment, recently stated it would power 10% of its fleets’ fuel needs with SAF by 2030.