Airlines are keen to publicise their plans to cap emissions ahead of next month’s COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, and Virgin said it planned to reduce fleet emissions by 15% by 2026 through more efficient aircraft and “operational efficiency”, compared to a 2019 baseline.
By 2030 it plans a 15% net reduction in total CO2 emissions on 2019 levels, including sourcing 10% of needs from Sustainable Aviation Fuel.
By 2040, a 40% net reduction in total CO2 emissions is planned.
The airline said the targets would build on the 18% reduction already achieved by 2019 “through fleet modernisation and operational efficiencies” but added there was a need to ramp up Sustainable Aviation Fuel production.
Shai Weiss, Virgin Atlantic chief executive, said: “We know that as an airline we have a pivotal role to play in protecting the planet, while connecting people across the globe and strengthening crucial trade connections.
“The carbon targets outlined today will help us achieve this as we work tirelessly on our mission to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
“Aviation is a truly global industry, and we can’t tackle this on our own. That’s why we’re continuing to work closely with the UK’s Jet Zero Council and Sustainable Aviation, as well as aligning with innovation and technology partners across the industry and beyond. There is a long road ahead, but we’re committed to pioneering change and being transparent on our progress, on our way to a low-carbon future.”
