Published on Friday (14 March), the report highlights the environmental, social and governance principles (ESG) that guide easyJet’s strategy and the measures it has taken to become more sustainable throughout 2024 and its objectives for 2025 and beyond.
EasyJet confirmed it aims to make sustainable travel "affordable and accessible for everyone" and "to achieve globally recognised sustainability certifications to ensure all customers can make better holidays choices at no extra cost".
Chief executive Garry Wilson said: “As a major tour operator, we must play our part in building a better industry for local communities, visitors and the environment, by harnessing the opportunities to deliver meaningful change at the required pace."
To create net-positive getaways, easyJet holidays has expanded its Certified Sustainable hotel range to 1,736 properties in the last 12 months.
The scheme, which launched in August 2022, has also seen the number of best-selling hotels gaining certification rising to 37%.
To support more partners on their sustainability journey, easyJet holidays set up a dedicated Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) course for its hotels across Spain, Turkey and Greece.
The course was attended by 300 hoteliers and gave participants a more comprehensive overview of what sustainable tourism is and what the best practices are.
The tour operator has also begun using electric cars for airport transfers in destinations such as Rhodes, where the number of zero-emission vehicles has gone up to three – saving 27 tonnes of CO2.
Other actions include a ground-breaking animal welfare policy and commitment not to offer attractions that “threaten the welfare or conservation of animals”, as well as employing more than 99% of local people in their destination management companies.
’AI is an incredible tool’
In terms of food waste reduction, EasyJet has cut buffet waste by 68% and kitchen waste by 56% at its Bahia Principe Sunlight Costa Adeje hotel in Tenerife.
The food reduction was obtained through a partnership with food waste management company Winnow AI Technology, resulting in savings of 139 tonnes of CO2 emissions and €100,000 for the hotel.
Winnow AI Technology founder Marc Zornes said: "Reducing kitchen food waste by 56% in just 12 months highlights the immense opportunity for resorts to tackle food waste head-on.
“AI is an incredible tool for capturing data-driven insights that can transform operations, delivering both environmental benefits and significant cost savings.”
In the past year, easyJet has also partnered with likeminded companies such as Abta, non-profit ICRT Global and TTG to support sustainable travel. The tour operator has in fact sponsored TTG’s Sustainability Festival in both 2024 and 2025.
Due to its continued effort in promoting a better way of travelling, the tour operator won several accolades last year – including Tour Operator of the Year as well as UK and Ireland Travel Company of the Year at the Travel Industry Awards by TTG.
Looking ahead, easyJet has already set its sights on several ambitious goals, including increasing the number of electric transfers and introducing two new destinations focused on sustainability projects.
“The path to a more sustainable future will not always be smooth, but we believe that progress – however incremental – is far better than delay,” concluded chief operating officer Matt Callaghan.
“Our vision is ambitious, but it is grounded in pragmatism and a deep sense of responsibility to our destination communities, customers, partners, and the planet.”
