EasyJet has announced its latest strategy to achieve “net zero” emissions by 2050, including the use of new aviation technology such as hydrogen-powered engines.
The UK-based airline said it was unveiling its “most ambitious” roadmap so far to eventually achieve zero carbon emissions flying across its fleet.
One key part of this roadmap is to use new technology such as hydrogen-powered engines – easyJet has a partnership with manufacturer Rolls-Royce, which is due to start its first ground tests on this technology shortly.
EasyJet also announced new investments into improving its operational efficiency and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), alongside “bolstering” its existing multi-million-pound funding of hydrogen engine development. The roadmap also includes fleet renewal and airspace modernisation.
The airline said that these measures would reduce carbon emissions per person, per kilometre by 78 per cent by 2050 compared with 2019’s figures. The rest of the emissions would be addressed through carbon removal technology.
Johan Lundgren, CEO of easyJet, said: “We’re the first airline to outline an ambitious roadmap in which zero carbon emission technology plays a key role to take us to net-zero emissions by 2050 and ultimately to zero carbon emission flying across our entire fleet.
“Decarbonising aviation is a major undertaking for which the whole sector is coming together, but we also require the support from UK and European governments to help us achieve net-zero and we have clearly outlined the actions needed from them.
“Now we have our roadmap we can ensure we are focused on the things that are going to get us to net zero in the years to come.”
As part of this roadmap, easyJet is purchasing new aircraft technology for its fleet which will help to achieve “substantial and permanent” carbon emission reductions in the short-term through optimising aircraft descents.
The airline also confirmed that it has contracted all of the SAF required for the roadmap over the next five years through a deal with its supplier Q8Aviation.