Jet2 makes plea to govt after launching sustainability strategy
Rob GillJet2.com and Jet2holidays have called for the government to “ringfence” money raised through carbon taxes so it can be invested in technology to mitigate climate change.
The sister brands made the plea as they released a new sustainability strategy covering their operations on the ground, in the air and in-resort.
Jet2.com, which is currently ranked as the world’s 11th most environmentally efficient airline, is making further commitments, such as offsetting every tonne of carbon not already covered by existing emissions trading schemes from 2022.
The airline will also purchase up to 60 new Airbus A321 Neo aircraft, which will reduce emissions per passenger, as well as working with a UK-based sustainable aviation fuel supplier with a “view” to using this type of UK-produced fuel from 2026.
Other commitments include making ground operations carbon-neutral from next year and 50% of ground services equipment becoming “zero carbon” by 2022.
In another pledge, Jet2 will reduce single-use plastics by 80% on its aircraft by 2023, which would add up to 11 million items per year.
A hotel sustainability labelling scheme will also allow Jet2holidays customers to filter accommodation searches by the properties’ sustainability levels. A Hotel Sustainability Charter will also be introduced in 2023 covering hotel management alongside environmental, social and economic business impacts.
Steve Heapy, chief executive of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “Economically, socially and culturally, travel is a force for good. We have already taken many steps to make Jet2.com one of the most environmentally efficient airlines in the world, and we are continuing our work to become more sustainable in the air, on the ground and in-resort.
“Today is a proud milestone that sets us on a flightpath to decarbonisation and details how our customers can enjoy package holidays from Jet2holidays and scheduled holiday flights with Jet2.com that are more environmentally sustainable.
“However, we cannot do this on our own. The government must do more to help our industry to decarbonise – starting by being transparent and investing the proceeds of the UK and EU Emissions Trading Schemes, as well any other green levies imposed on the aviation industry, into decarbonisation.”
Dr Andy Jefferson, programme director at Sustainable Aviation, added: “Sustainable Aviation welcomes the launch of Jet2’s sustainability strategy, which clearly supports the UK-wide aviation industry’s commitments to net-zero emissions by 2050 plus interim 2030 and 2040 targets set in June 2021.”
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