easyJet Reveals Green Moves to Reduce Emissions

Budget airline easyJet has set out its own three-point environmental strategy to tackle carbon emissions.

The Luton-based carrier has pledged to make itself more efficient in the air, on the ground, and shape a greener future for the aviation sector, which accounts for 1.6% of carbon emissions.

In its corporate social responsibility report yesterday, easyJet said its low-cost model of fuller planes, direct flights and newer aircraft also improved its environmental performance.

EasyJet, which is committed to introducing newer, more environmentally efficient aircraft, also said the average age of its fleet had fallen from three to 2.2 years. Its CO2 emissions per passenger kilometre had fallen by 18% since 2000, while its A319 aircraft fleet carried 26% more seats and 57% more passengers than the European norm.

EasyJet added that its point-to-point flights were more environmentally friendly than "the hub and spoke" system of connecting flights operated by other airlines.

It said its network of 74 airports in 21 countries was close to public transport and minimised travel on the ground.

Chief executive Andy Harrison said the airline was campaigning for the aviation sector to be included in the European Union's emissions trading scheme.

EasyJet is also working with airframe and engine makers to help create more environmentally friendly aircraft, although the next generation of short-haul aircraft is not expected to reach the market until 2015.

Mr Harrison also attacked the doubling of the Government's air passenger duty to £10 for economy flights from the start of this month as he launched easyJet's green code. He said the duty gave travellers no incentive to choose a cleaner airline and carriers no incentive to operate the cleanest aircraft.

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