EasyJet today has joined Race to Zero, a global UN-backed campaign to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 at the latest.
The budget airline is committing to set an interim science-based target for 2035 as well as to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
EasyJet plans to present its net-zero roadmap in the coming months.
Chief executive Johan Lundgren said: “Joining Race to Zero is a major milestone in easyJet’s net-zero journey and I’m very proud to be able to make this announcement today.
“Climate change is an issue which we all have to tackle – including us at easyJet.
“We have a responsibility to minimise the impact of our flights and we are working very hard to make this happen; from efficient flying and fleet renewal to being the only major European carrier that is offsetting the carbon emissions from the fuel used for all its flights on behalf of all its customers.
“Our ambition is to ultimately achieve net-zero emissions flying in the UK and across Europe and we are proactively working alongside industry leaders, such as Airbus and Wright Electric, to help support and champion zero-emission technologies for passenger planes of the future.”
Aviation minister Robert Courts said: “It’s great to see easyJet joining Race to Zero on Cop26’s Transport Day.
“Cop26 represents an opportunity to build momentum in reducing aviation emissions, particularly ahead of the next ICAO Assembly in 2022.
“EasyJet are stepping up to the challenge – putting in place a net-zero roadmap which will help secure a sustainable future for the sector and creategreen jobs in the process.”