Planet
Aviation has a significant impact on the environment, and at British Airways, we care about the impact of every flight. We have a long history of managing our carbon emissions and a clear roadmap to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, with ambitious short, medium and long-term initiatives to achieve our goals.
Climate
We’re proud to be part of the first airline group in the world (IAG) to commit to becoming carbon net zero by 2050*. We’re investing in new, modern aircraft that are approximately 20 – 35% more efficient than the aircraft they replace** and we’ve made changes to the way we fly to further reduce our emissions. We’ve also formed partnerships to support the development of sustainable aviation fuels (detailed below), hydrogen-powered aircraft and carbon capture technology.
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Our flightpath to net zero
We're committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
If improvements aren't made to efficiency, aviation’s carbon emissions would grow over time as demand for air travel increases.
That's why we're making a series of changes to help achieve this target, including:
- Investing in newer, more efficient aircraft
- Driving operational efficiency on the ground and in the air
- Investing in Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). See SAF section below for more information
- Using carbon reductions and removals in other sectors
- Building sustainability awareness and engagement amongst our colleagues
- Empowering our customers to make more informed travel choices
See our BA Better World report to learn more about the changes we're making on our journey to net zero, including our 2019 baseline and how we’re working to tackle other types of non-Co2 emissions such as nitrogen oxides, water vapour, sulphate aerosols, soot aerosols and the associated formation of condensation trails (contrails) released during flying.
Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF)
‘Sustainable Aviation Fuels ‘(‘SAF’) are defined in the Refuel EU Aviation Regulation as aviation fuels that are either synthetic aviation fuels, aviation biofuels or recycled carbon aviation fuels.
SAF produces almost the same levels of carbon dioxide to conventional aviation fuels when burned, but the carbon dioxide generated is already part of the carbon cycle and is not extracted from the ground specifically for creating aviation fuel. This means that using SAF results in a reduction in carbon emissions compared to the traditional jet fuel it replaces over the full lifecycle of the fuel, although emissions still remain. A major challenge is that SAF availability remains low globally, and today accounts for 2.7% of our total fuel.***
As SAF is similar in chemistry to traditional fossil jet fuel, it can be dropped straight into existing fuel supply infrastructure and aircraft without modification. As a result, it’s the readiest solution to reduce the carbon emissions associated with aviation. Emission reductions from the use of SAF are measured as the reduction of carbon emissions on a greenhouse gas lifecycle basis, typically by 80% or more compared with the fossil jet fuels it replaces.
Alongside our parent company IAG, who has so far committed $3.5 billion to SAF investments and purchases, we see progressing the development and commercial deployment of SAF as crucial to reducing the carbon emissions associated with aviation. It is a key part of our plans to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050 with a target of reaching at least 10% SAF by 2030, in line with the UK government’s SAF Mandate. This includes investing in SAF plants in the UK and US to scale up the availability of SAF. We currently use or plan to use SAF produced from used cooking oil, woody biomass, used tyres, or orchard and forestry waste.
We were the first airline in the world to use SAF produced on a commercial scale in the UK after signing a multi-year agreement with Phillips 66, and in 2024, IAG made its largest SAF purchase agreement to date with producer ‘Twelve’ for the supply of e-SAF, an advanced form of power-to-liquid SAF made from carbon dioxide, water and renewable energy.
Carbon removals
Carbon removal is the process of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it safely in biological or geological ways for multiple decades or even centuries.
Our carbon removals portfolio includes a variety of nature-based and engineered approaches including capturing carbon dioxide directly from the air and durably storing it underground through to enhanced rock weathering. As part of our drive to accelerate our progress to net zero emissions by 2050 or sooner, we’ve recently signed a deal to purchase innovative carbon removals credits in the UK and overseas as part of a six-year agreement.
Since 2020, we’ve voluntarily purchased both verified carbon offsets and carbon removal credits at volumes approximately equivalent to our domestic emissions. We’ll continue to buy robust and verified carbon offsets under CORSIA, the industry’s global economic measure to address aviation emissions, and we’ll continue to apply our influence to encourage the strengthening of CORSIA over time. From 2024, we’re directing our voluntary action to purchasing a smaller volume of high quality and innovative certified carbon removal credits. Our aim is to support the development of this vital but nascent industry as we transition to using carbon removals solely in the long term.
Hydrogen powered aircraft
We support the development of hydrogen as an alternative fuel source because we believe it has the potential to enable us to reach true zero emissions when in flight or transit, on short-haul routes by 2050. That’s why we’ve invested in ZeroAvia – a leading innovator in decarbonising commercial aviation. It is aiming to accelerate the development of 50+ seater aircraft capable of running on zero emissions hydrogen-electric power. In January 2023, ZeroAvia completed the world’s first hydrogen-electric fuel cell powered flight of a commercial-grade aircraft.
Waste
We’re committed to protecting the environment, eliminating single-use plastic where more sustainable alternatives exist and reducing food waste. Working towards implementing a circular economy, we aim to keep our resources in use for as long as possible through product design, re-use and recycling and through partnerships with our suppliers.
We’re delighted to have been recognised for our onboard recycling initiatives at the 2024 SEAL Business Sustainability Awards, which honour leadership, innovation and commitment to sustainable business practices.
Single-use plastic
We’re working to reduce single-use plastic where possible and we’re collaborating with our suppliers to identify sustainable alternatives, like bamboo and paper. From removing plastic blanket wrappings from our flights to introducing duvets made from recycled plastic, we’re dedicated to finding innovative solutions that are better for the environment.
Food waste
Reducing food waste means less pressure on natural resources, water supplies and land where food is grown, as well as cutting greenhouse gas emissions from production, transportation and disposal. Behind the scenes, we’re working to influence UK Government policy and regulation to allow more sustainable ways to divert food waste from landfill and incineration.
Environmental Management
Delivering a high standard of environmental management is fundamental to our BA Better World Programme. In 2025, we undertook an external re-certification assessment process with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), successfully retaining the IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) certification for our Environmental Management System. This achievement reflects our commitment to continual improvement of our environmental performance and management system and compliance with regulatory obligations.
The scope of the previous certification includes Corporate Offices & Facilities, Global Flight Operations, and Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (engineering functions). In 2025, we expanded our certification to include Ground Handling, demonstrating tangible improvements in environmental performance across our in-scope ground operations. We also achieved certification to the Wildlife module standards, reinforcing our zero-tolerance approach to international wildlife trafficking and our commitment to the principles of the Buckingham Palace Declaration.
The IEnvA framework follows a continual improvement cycle (Plan, Do, Check, Act). This includes meeting compliance obligations, reporting incidents, delivering training, conducting audits, and addressing findings to drive ongoing improvement.
Wildlife
Buckingham Palace Declaration
As part of the United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce, we support the fight against the illegal wildlife trade. We’re committed to developing a secure system to share information and credible intelligence with customs and law enforcement agencies about high-risk routes and methods of transportation. This also allows us to reserve the right to refuse cargo suspected of containing illegal wildlife or products.
Discover more
BA Better World
Taking significant and urgent action to address aviation’s impacts is critical to make our industry much more sustainable in the long term. That’s why we’re committed to our BA Better World programme – and to innovating to drive continual improvement in our environmental, social and governance business performance.
People
We care about our people and value their contributions to our business. Creating a diverse and inclusive workplace contributes to a sense of wellbeing and belonging, enabling our world-class colleagues to thrive.
Responsible Business
Committed to maintaining the highest standard of corporate governance, driving performance responsibly, and striving to make customer experiences more sustainable and inclusive, we create opportunities in the communities where we operate, whilst also using our unique skills to support those affected by crisis.
* Our Flightpath to Net Zero carbon strategy is based on our 2019 baseline and will be delivered through a combination of aircraft and operational efficiencies, investments in new technology, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and carbon removals.
** Based on British Airway’s operational data
*** The UK SAF mandate requires that 2% of total fossil jet fuel supplied must be SAF in 2025. This will increase annually, reaching 10% in 2030 and 22% by 2040.
ReFuelEU Aviation sets requirements for aviation fuel suppliers to gradually increase the share of SAF blended into the conventional aviation fuel supplied at EU airports. This includes a 2% share of SAF in EU airports from 2025, and a 70% share of SAF in all EU airports from 2050.