The low-cost carrier is to cover all carbon emissions not already included in its contributions to existing sustainability programmes - such as Corsia and UK and EU Emissions Trading Schemes.
Jet2.com and sister operator Jet2holidays announced a host of sustainability initiatives on Wednesday (12 January) marking the first steps in the company’s environmental strategy, first revealed in September 2021.
They include the airline’s ground operations becoming carbon neutral on 1 January, along with the Jet2.com and Jet2holiday’s offices, which are being powered with renewable energy.
The initiatives are the first in a series of commitments from the brands to ensure the company reaches net zero by 2050, which it aspires to achieve by an earlier date.
Other work includes the purchase of up to 75 new A321neo aircraft and using UK-produced sustainable aviation fuel by no later than 2026.
Jet2 is also making an 80% reduction in single-use plastics onboard its aircraft by 2023 and launching a hotel sustainability charter.
Chief executive Steve Heapy said the launch of the offsetting scheme marked “the first major step in our journey to net zero”.
“It is our responsibility to pay for every tonne of carbon we emit and today’s announcement makes this a reality, meaning that from 1 January 2022, our customers can be assured that Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have their carbon covered," he said.
“This, however, is just one milestone in our journey to reach our sustainability targets. 2022 also marks the realisation of our carbon neutral ground operations, and we are also powering our offices with 100% renewable energy.
“This year we will also continue to make strides to develop our commitment to sustainable aviation fuel as well as our hotel sustainability charter, so that we are becoming more sustainable in the air, on the ground, and in resort.”
Heapy said Jet2 would be “calling on governments at home and in Europe” to match the “increased regulation on aviation” by taking their own actions to decarbonise the industry.
“This includes investing the proceeds of the UK and EU Emissions Trading Schemes, as well any other green levies imposed on the aviation industry, directly into decarbonisation as well as reporting on where these proceeds are being invested,” he added.
"We will also continue pushing for airspace reforms across Europe which will dramatically and immediately reduce carbon emissions in EU airspace by at least 10%."
