Jet2 has been appointed to the Jet Zero Council, a partnership between industry bosses and government which aims to deliver decarbonisation and zero-emission transatlantic flying.
The appointment comes after Jet2 started its sustainability strategy in January 2022, with the launch of one of the world’s largest airline offsetting schemes; a pledge to use Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) by 2026; and a commitment to spend billions on up to 75 new, more efficient, Airbus A321neo aircraft which deliver an estimated 20% C02 emissions reduction per seat compared to previous models.
The Leeds-headquartered airline said its appointment brings greater regional representation to the council.
Jet2 will also seek to ask the government to show greater transparency on where the money collected as part of the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is spent – and work towards both delivering and calling for greater investment in Sustainable Aviation Fuels.
Steve Heapy, chief executive of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said the appointment helps the company’s ambition to be “one of the leading brands in sustainable air travel and package holidays”.
“Travel and tourism is a force for good, and making this more sustainable is an absolute priority for us,” he said.
“We have been working closely with government as members of the SAF Delivery Group for some time, and becoming official members of the Jet Zero Council means we can have a bigger voice at the table at this critical time, working with government and industry to ensure we reach net zero as fast as possible.”
As well as aviation minister Robert Courts, members of the council include Charlie Cornish, group chief executive, Manchester Airports Group; Johan Lundgren, chief executive, easyJet; John Holland-Kaye, chief executive, Heathrow; Jonathan Hinkles, chief executive, Loganair; Malcolm Sutherland, managing director, Tui Airways; Sean Doyle, chief executive, British Airways; and Shai Weiss, chief executive, Virgin Atlantic.
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