Sustainability
We believe that flying is one of humankind’s greatest achievements.
However, we also know it comes with an environmental cost and now, more than ever, we need to take action to tackle the impact it has on our planet.
That’s why we’ve set out on our most important journey yet - to a better, more sustainable future. We call it BA Better World.
Everyone who joins British Airways has a role to play in delivering our sustainability vision and help drive positive change in the communities we serve around the world.
Our flightpath to net zero
At British Airways, we care about the impact of every flight. That's why we're driving urgent action towards net zero emissions. We have a long history of managing and reducing 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.
Sustainable aviation fuel
Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) are defined in the Refuel EU Aviation Regulations as aviation fuels that are either synthetic aviation fuels, aviation biofuels or recycled carbon aviation fuels. SAF has the potential to reduce our lifecycle emissions by over 80 percent compared to the traditional jet fuel it replaces. We will be refuelling our aircraft with at least 10 percent SAF by 2030, in line with the UK government's SAF Mandate.
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New technology
We’re investing in new, modern aircraft that are up to 35% more efficient than the aircraft they replace, and we‘re improving how we plan, prepare and operate our flights. We’re also making changes on the ground including, increasing our use of renewable energy and HVO fuels.
Carbon removals
Carbon removals remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it long-term in biological or geological structures. Our portfolio includes both nature-based and engineered approaches that produce high quality and certified carbon removals credits. In addition, we’ve recently signed a deal to purchase innovative carbon removals credits in the UK and overseas as part of a six-year agreement.
On board
If you've flown with us, you’ll know that we’re working hard to reduce single-use plastic on board our aircraft. 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.
Earthshot
In 2024, we announced our partnership with The Earthshot Prize, a global environmental prize founded by Prince William in 2020. The prize is designed to discover, spotlight and scale the groundbreaking solutions we need to repair and regenerate the planet. We are already working with past finalists including LanzaTech and Notpla.
Responsible Business
We're incredibly proud of our Community Investment programme, which marks our commitment to investing in communities across our network and providing life-changing opportunities to help those who need it most.
Flying Start
Since 2010, British Airways customers and colleagues have raised over £29 million through our Flying Start partnership with Comic Relief. These donations have supported over one million people facing poverty around the world, and supported projects providing essential healthcare, as well as vital life and work skills to young people.
BA Better World Community Fund
We launched the BA Better World Community Fund in April 2022 to create life-changing opportunities in communities across the UK. With more than 60 partners, we’re committed to driving positive change and supporting projects that align with our BA Better World sustainability programme.
Disasters Emergency Committee
British Airways has partnered with the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) for over 10 years. During this period, we’ve supported humanitarian appeals including the Afghanistan crisis and natural disasters such as the Nepal earthquake.
Colleague Community Champion programme
More than 4000 British Airways colleagues have volunteered to become Flying Start champions, taking on all manner of fundraising challenges including marathons and skydives. Our colleagues have also volunteered at projects across the UK including foodbanks, homeless projects, and community gardens.
Payroll Giving programme
We’re currently helping over 2,900 colleagues donate to 600 different causes through their payroll, generating nearly £1 million a year in charitable giving. In 2023, we maintained our Gold Accredited Standard for our Payroll Giving scheme.
Customer accessibility
We are committed to ensuring customers travel safely, with dignity and in comfort and provide support to customers who need assistance with mobility, as well as for those who are D/deaf and hard of hearing, blind and with low vision or have non-visible disabilities.
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