EastJet has outlined updated sustainability plans with a shift away from offsetting in a renewed bid to cut emissions by 35% by 2035.
The UK budget carrier said that investments “will transition away from offsetting to focus on driving in-sector emission reductions”.
The airline will focus on new technology with the ambition to achieve zero carbon emission flying across entire fleet in the long-term.
A number of initiatives include more use of sustainable aviation fuel and plans to become an early adopter in zero carb on emission aircraft “when the technology is available and commercially viable”.
“Today’s announcement sets out the next phase on the airline’s journey to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050,” the airline said,
The announcement came as easyJet reported a surge in carryings in July and August.
Passenger numbers rose to 8.1 million in July from 3.7 million in the same month last year and to 8.3 million in August from 5.1 million.
Chef executive Johan Lundgren said: “Challenging the status quo is in easyJet’s DNA – from making flying affordable for everyone, to leading the sector on decarbonisation.
“I’m very proud to be able to confirm today that our target of a further 35% reduction in carbon emissions intensity by 2035 has now been validated by the Science-Based Targets initiative – making easyJet the first low-cost carrier worldwide to have announced this.
“Since 2000, over a 20 year period, we have already reduced our carbon emissions per passenger, per kilometre by one-third, so this marks a significant acceleration in our decarbonisation.
“Today, 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.
“And I’m really pleased that our partner Rolls Royce has also confirmed today it is making final preparations for the first hydrogen engine tests to take place.
“We will be implementing our roadmap step by step in the years to come, helping to ensure more sustainable travel is accessible to all for the benefit of the next generation and our planet.”