International Airlines Group (IAG), the parent company of Brtish
Airways, Iberia and Aer Lingus, has committed to powering 10 per cent of its
flights with sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) by 2030.
The group says it will buy one million tonnes of sustainable jet
fuel per year and this will enable it to cut its annual carbon emissions by two million tonnes by
2030. The group says this equates to removing one million cars from Europe’s
roads each year.
In addition, IAG will become the first airline group worldwide
to extend its net zero commitment to its supply chain and will work with its
suppliers to help them to commit to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 for
the products and services they provide to IAG.
Luis
Gallego, IAG´s chief executive, said: “It’s clearly challenging to transition
to a low carbon business model but, despite the current pandemic, we remain
resolute in our climate commitments.
“Government
support is critical to meet this target by attracting investment to construct
sustainable aviation fuel plants that will deliver enough supply for the
airline industry, creating highly valued green jobs and economic growth at
global scale”.
IAG says it plans to invest US$400 million in the development of sustainable aviation fuel in
the next 20 years.