British Airways is the least fuel-efficient airline on transatlantic routes, new research claims.
BA was found to emit more pollution over the Atlantic than any other airline, burning more than 50% more fuel than Norwegian, identified as the greenest carrier with its fleet of new Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
The study by sustainable transport group the International Council on Clean Transportation found that BA came last out of the top 20 airlines operating North Atlantic routes.
The UK carrier flew 27 kilometres per litre of fuel against Norwegian at 40km per litre. The industry average is 32km per litre, achieved by Delta Air Lines and Icelandair.
BA is among the many premium carriers that fall below the industry average, including SAS, Lufthansa, Swiss, Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines, Alitalia, American Airlines and Iberia, the study found.
Air Berlin and Aer Lingus follow low-cost carrier Norwegian as the most fuel efficient
A non-stop return transatlantic flight last year averaged about one tonne of CO2 per passenger, equivalent to a 35-kilometer daily commute in a Toyota Prius over a work year, according to the research.
The failure of highly profitable carriers to invest in more fuel-efficient aircraft on one of the most lucrative routes in the world is a clear sign that efficiency standards and carbon pricing are needed, the International Council on Clean Transportation said.
Aviation policy director, Andrew Murphy, said: “If you can’t get highly profitable airlines on the most lucrative route in the world to improve fuel efficiency, then how can you expect it to happen elsewhere?
“Efficiency standards and carbon pricing are needed if aviation is to play its role in keeping global warming below 2 degrees.”
BA said its performance was improving with the delivery of new, more fuel-efficient aircraft, the Times reported.